NL WEST NEWS AND NOTES

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

The Diamondbacks expect Brad Ziegler to induce ground balls at a high rate. They foresee Jake Diekman having success against right-handed hitters even though he throws lefthanded.

But there was more to the trades that brought the two relievers to a bullpen that ranked third in baserunners allowed per nine innings and fifth in opponents’ OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage).

Ken Rosenthal of “The Athletic” said the reasons behind the upgrades were two advanced statistics: Arizona relievers ranked 29th in the majors in strikeouts per nine innings, and their opponents’ batting average on balls in play was the games lowest, “reflecting a measure of luck,” as Rosenthal put it.

Come November, free agency is an option for each newcomer.

❚ General manager Mike Hazen implied that Chris Owings, a versatile defender, could be recalled from Class AAA if more playing time equates to a better batting average. Owings was hitting .198 at the time of his demotion, but hitting coach Dave Magadan told “The Arizona Republic” that Owings improved after a recent swing change.

COLORADO ROCKIES

The volatility of the Rockies’ high-salaried relief pitching has been a problem all season, but their worries grew even more intense last week when closer Wade Davis blew save opportunities in consecutive games.

Davis, who has a three-year, $52 million contract, was having a decent season (31 saves) before faltering against the Cardinals and then the Brewers. They were his fifth and sixth blown saves of the season, one more than he had in the previous three seasons combined.

Right-hander Adam Ottavino, who’s having a great season, got a chance to close on Aug. 5 and also had a rough time, blowing a two-run lead against Milwaukee in a game the Rockies won in 11 innings on a Nolan Arenado home run.

But manager Bud Black made it clear that Davis is still his closer. “I’m going to defend Wade Davis,” Black said.

❚ Recent trade acquisition Seunghwan Oh might get more challenging work after beginning with five scoreless relief outings. He got the save Aug. 5.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

Will the front office regret not doing more to strengthen the bullpen last month?

A reliever added before the July 31 trade deadline, John Axford, allowed six runs to the Astros in his Dodgers debut Aug. 4.

Closer Kenley Jansen is having another good season, but the Dodgers’ setup relief was stronger last year. Several other contenders made what appeared to be strong additions to their bullpens last month.

Manager Dave Roberts said a few Dodgers pitchers who have been sidelined by injuries this year could return down the stretch. Candidates include Julio Urias and Josh Fields. Roberts said a starting pitcher or two also could move to the bullpen.

Even so, the Dodgers figure to try to get a reliever through waivers this month.

❚ Urias, on the comeback from major shoulder surgery, pitched 1 2 / 3 innings Aug. 4 in a rookie ball game. Roberts said Urias could rejoin the Dodgers when the rosters are expanded Sept. 1.

SAN DIEGO PADRES

Why was the front office quick to shed right-hander Tyson Ross after failing to trade him before the trade deadline?

He went on waivers, where he was claimed, and was allowed to go to the Cardinals on Aug. 5. The move saved more than $500,000 in salary plus a $200,000 bonus for every one of Ross’ next seven starts.

The money can be applied to the 2018 draft signing budget. The club, because of its National League-worst won-lost record, would have the NL’s highest draft-budget ceiling.

Right-hander Jordan Lyles also was allowed to leave on waivers, saving the club about $120,000. He joined Milwaukee.

Padres manager Andy Green framed the moves as clearing spots for pitching prospects. One name on the promotion list is Brett Kennedy, who was 10-0 with a 2.70 ERA in Class AAA.

❚ A pitching prospect unlikely to appear with the team this year is Chris Paddack, who returned on April 30 from Tommy John elbow surgery. Through 80 innings in high Class A and Class AA, he had 110 strikeouts, seven walks and a 1.91 ERA.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

In what some critics might deem a “better late than never” adjustment, the Giants are talking as if they will increase their efforts to develop young players this year.

Brian Sabean, the club’s top baseball executive and the lead architect of three World Series champions, pointed in that direction after the Giants’ uneventful trade deadline.

Look for center fielder Steven Duggar to get regular playing time through season’s end. It is hoped that his defensive prowess and improved-though still- suspect hitting portend a long-term answer at a position where several recent Giants teams came up short.

❚ The Giants already have gotten good results out of outfielder Austin Slater, who was hitting .315 through 31 games.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

Brian Dozier, Dodgers

Shortstop Manny Machado is a star, but fellow newcomer Dozier, a second baseman, might provide L.A. more of a surge because of his position. Dodgers shortstops had had a fair season; Dodgers second

basemen had had a bad season. Dozier hit 28, 42 and 34 homers the past three years and had 18 this year through Aug. 5, including two in his first two games for the Dodgers.