Monday, August 8, 2011

Bloomquist sits for second consecutive day

By Anthony Fenech / MLB.com | 08/08/11

PHOENIX -- For the second straight day, Willie Bloomquist was given the day off.

But the veteran D-backs infielder doesn't look at it that way.

"I don't really view it as a day off, to be honest," he said. "I look at it as an opportunity to win the game later in the game, versus being off.

"Coming to the field with the mindset that you have the day off, then obviously you're not ready to play."

D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said that he's making a concerted effort to keep the 33-year-old shortstop fresh for the remainder of the season.

"He would never admit it, he'll say he's fine, but I can just see," Gibson said, "When he plays shortstop every day, at some point, he just kind of loses his energy and legs."

Since Stephen Drew was lost for the season on July 20 with a broken right ankle, Bloomquist has started 14 of 16 games at shortstop. He has recorded a hit in all but two of those starts.

"I don't really look at it like I've been playing everyday," he admits. "It's just, if I'm playing today, then I'll do the best I can. And if not, I'll try to figure out a way to help us late in the game if need be."

Gibson said that Bloomquist will be back in the lineup on Wednesday.

"I'm just keeping him fresher, letting him play his game better," Gibson said. "It's not that he doesn't try, it's just that he wears down. So we'll do it that way today."

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