John Ryan Murphy to get more playing time

[Ronin]

Lovullo: D-backs catcher John Ryan Murphy to get more playing time
John Ryan Murphy has forced his way into the Diamondbacks’ lineup.

The 27-year-old made the D-backs Opening Day roster as the third catcher expected to fill a similar role that Chris Herrmann did a season ago.

Due to struggles from Alex Avila and Jeff Mathis, who hit a combined .100 in May, Murphy has forced the team’s hand and will be getting more starts behind the plate.

http://arizonasports.com/story/1545398/lovullo-john-ryan-murphy-playing-time/

 

[BC867]

All right!!! I won't look back and say "It's about time." Oops, I just did, Well, I've been calling it for it for some time. With the season one third over, it has been so obviously a necessary move.

I don't expect JR to become an All Star. But he will be a big improvement over the .100 hitting of Avila and Mathis four out of every five games. And his fielding and handling of pitchers is as good as either of them.

Certainly Mathis is going to continue starting for Greinke every fifth game. I hope Avila will start no more than once each (five game) rotation and be a LH pinch hitter, which should allow him to concentrate on improving his hitting. With Murphy starting three out of every five games at the least.

If JR starts only two out of every five games, that would hardly be taking advantage of his hitting skills as a lead Catcher. It would reduce the impact of Lovullo's announcement greatly. Nor would it give Murphy the chance to settle into the role. Three out of every five. I'm hoping!