N.L. (Baseball).

Arizona Diamondbacks

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45-28 1st in West

NEW ROLE: Righthanded setup relievers have had problems, so Todd Slottlemyre (shoulder) is working as a reliever on his rehabilitation assignment. Stottlemyre has pitched in relief in the majors once since 1994. Bret Prinz and Jose Parra have failed as the eighth-inning righthanded setup man, so the team will try Stottlemyre there before investigating a trade. The team thinks Stottlemyre's shoulder might respond better to shorter outings. Expect Stottlemyre to be activated in early July. Until he is ready for setup work, RHP Mike Koplove will get a look in that role.... RHP Matt Mantei could be activated this week. He will not be put into a pressure role because pitchers coming back from reconstructive elbow surgery typically are not consistent until their second season back.... LHP Randy Johnson and RHP Curt Schilling never have lost on consecutive days or in the same home series.

SCOUTING REPORT: LHP Brian Anderson has three strengths: his control, changeup and defense, including a good pickoff move. He is trying to establish his inside fastball more. If righthanded hitters can look on the outside part of the plate and sit on his changeup, Anderson will be hit hard, including a lot home runs.

SEE DIFFERENT GAME: Closers generally are asked to pitch on inning. But with his middle relief erratic, manager Bob Brenly will use RHP Byung-Hyun Kin in the eighth inning whenever Kim is rested. Ten of Kim's 19 saves have come with him entering in the eighth. Kim leads N.L. closers in innings pitched, and it seems risky to give a closer such a workload. If Kim burns out, the club will have a major problem. On the other hand, Kim throws sidearm, which puts less strain on his arm, and he is in good physical condition.--Ed Price

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