Ginkel allowed one unearned run on two hits and struck out two over 1.1 innings in Sunday's 8-7 extra-innings loss to the Rays.
Ginkel was the pitcher of record when Arizona took a 7-6 lead in the top half of the 10th inning -- the Diamondbacks scored six combined runs in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings to force extra innings. He was unable to hold the lead and spoiled what would have been a dramatic comeback win. It's unclear why manager Torey Lovullo didn't go with a rested Justin Martinez, who has been given the bulk of save opportunities since Paul Sewald was removed as the team's closer.
Diamondbacks' Kevin Ginkel: Enters in sixth inning
Rotowire
Ginkel allowed three runs on one hit, one walk and a hit batsman over two-thirds of an inning in Friday's 9-8 win over the Pirates.
Ginkel entered in the sixth inning with Arizona up 6-3 and by the time he and A.J. Puk finished the frame, the Diamondbacks were down 7-6. This came on the day that manager Torey Lovullo announced Paul Sewald would no longer be the team's closer, which led to speculation about both Ginkel and Puk as options to close games. Ryan Thompson eventually closed the win, but Lovullo never mentioned a specific player as Sewald's direct replacement. The manager has a number of arms he trusts, including Ginkel.
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Diamondbacks' Kevin Ginkel: Could be in mix for saves
Rotowire
Ginkel and A.J. Puk are the favorites to see save chances after Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo removed Paul Sewald as the team's closer Friday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.
Ginkel recorded five saves as Arizona's closer when Sewald was on the injured list to begin the season, but he's been limited to setup duties over the past few months. Puk was acquired from the Marlins last week and may have a slight edge in terms of upside. Lovullo declined to name a replacement for Sewald, and it's possible the manager utilizes a committee approach.
