N.L. (Baseball).

Arizona Diamondbacks

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19-11 1st in West

BULLPEN WOES: When closer RHP Matt Mantei (elbow surgery) returns, probably later this month, RHP Byung-Hyun Kim should move into a setup role. Until then, righthanded setup could be a problem. Bret Prinz originally filled it, but he was sent down because of control problems. Miguel Batista might have taken over, but he is starting. So when Jose Parra was promoted, he immediately was thrust into the role. Parra pitched in the first four games after his arrival.... RHP Todd Stottlemyre, who missed last season because of a damaged shoulder nerve, went back on the D.L. Stottlemyre had no structural damage in his shoulder, but he was barely able to recover his strength between starts. He had to go light on his side sessions, which he believed led to first-inning problems. Nine of the 16 runs Stottlemyre allowed in his four starts came in that inning.

REPORT: C Damian Millers 22 RBIs in April represented almost half his career high of 47. When Miller hits the ball to all fields, he can have an average around .280. Miller deserves Gold Glove consideration for his throwing and his ability to handle pitchers, particularly LHP Randy Johnson, who has a sharp, hard slider, and Kim, who has a sidearm delivery.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Manager Bob Brenly wanted to give LF Luis Gonzalez a day off last Friday, but Brenley promised Gonzalez--who had played in 355 straight games--he would play to keep his consecutive-games streak alive, the longest active streak in the majors. So Brenly double-switched Gonzalez into the game as part of an eighth-inning pitching change, even though it meant taking out Arizona's best outfielder, CF Finley. Jose Guillen moved from left to right and Danny Bautista from right to center.--Ed Price

APRIL GRADES