NATIONAL LEAGUE.(baseball)

Arizona

46-28: 1st

Anderson's return will lead to changes in the rotation

With LHP Brian Anderson about to return to the active roster, it remains unclear whom he will replace in the rotation. Manager Bob Brenly says he has not decided whether to keep RHP Miguel Batista or LHP Nick Bierbrodt in the rotation upon Anderson's return. Anderson--who last pitched June 2, when he suffered a groin strain that landed him on the D.L.--was expected to do at least one rehab start with Class AAA Tucson before returning to the rotation.... RHP Bobby Witt's setback on a rehab assignment saved the team from having to make another roster decision. Witt, working his way back from a sprained elbow ligament, came out of a recent start for Tucson after just two innings.

SCOUTING REPORT: Statistics don't show it, but IF Craig Counsell has been one of the team's most valuable players. He has been a regular since 3B Matt Williams went down with leg injuries, taking over at second base while Jay Bell moved to third. Counsell has shown the arm strength to play on the left side but is most comfortable at second. He has displayed good range and good hands. Counsell recently became the leadoff hitter when SS Tony Womack was dropped to eighth in the order. He won't hit for much power, even in the gaps, but he will walk or put the ball in play. He is Brenly's favorite to execute the hit-and-run because Counsell always seems to get the bat on the ball.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: By all accounts, Anderson's stuff in side sessions while on the D.L. has been better than ever. Brenly has raved about Anderson's command and the movement on his slider or cut fastball. Anderson agrees that his pitches are better, and he has a theory as to why. He says that when his groin still was sore, he had trouble pushing off while playing catch, and that forced him into a good habit: not "jumping out" in his delivery and getting his body ahead of his arm. Now Anderson stays back and more upright through his delivery, which keeps him balanced and gives him more power. --Ed Price

JUNE GRADES