Tim

Tawa

Tawa’s home run was his 10th of the season. He hit a solo shot in the ninth inning to put the Diamondbacks ahead 2-0. Arizona went on to blow that lead in the bottom of the inning only for Tawa to give them a lead with an RBI single in the 10th inning, only for the bullpen to blow it again. He’s now riding a four-game hitting streak and could continue to fill in for Corbin Carroll (back) for another game or two.

Carroll was dropped to the fifth spot in Arizona’s lineup over the weekend as his second-half struggles continue. The 26-year-old franchise cornerstone is hitting just .215 with six homers and 11 steals in 48 games since the All-Star break. It’ll be versatile Tim Tawa taking over in right field in his absence. There should be an update on his status following the contest, but fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now.

The D-backs could give Jose Fernandez another look if Arenado goes on the IL. Tim Tawa could also play third base, opening up some extra at-bats for Tyler Locklear. Jordan Lawlar is about ready to come off the IL, too, but since he’s only played outfield this year, Arenado’s injury probably doesn’t do anything for him.

Marte takes a seat with Ildemaro Vargas covering second base. Nolan Arenado is also getting a breather with Tim Tawa at the hot corner. The 32-year-old has hit a rough patch recently, hitting .200 (14-for-70) with two homers and eight RBI in 17 games since last month’s All-Star break.

Tawa was back at first base tonight after starting in center field the previous two days. He’ll probably play less outfield with Lars Nootbaar around, but he might just start at first base regularly anyway. While we’re not really buying in, he has hit .266 with four homers and 16 RBI in 23 games since he was recalled July 5.

Tawa is going to be getting more time at first base with Pavin Smith off the roster, and while we’re not sure that’ll work out particularly well for the Diamondbacks, he was certainly helpful tonight. The homer was his second in 90 plate appearances this season. The 27-year-old is batting .187/.279/.307 at the moment and .197/.275/.336 in 315 plate appearances since debuting with Arizona last year.

It looks to be nothing more than a routine day of rest for the 35-year-old third baseman. Tim Tawa will start in his place at the hot corner and will bat seventh for the D’Backs against Brewers right-hander Brandon Sproat.

Tawa returns after spending the requisite 10 days at Triple-A Reno after being optioned out last Thursday. He has struggled at the plate during his time with the Diamondbacks this season, slashing a paltry .172/.270/.266 with just one home run, eight RBI and an 18/9 K/BB ratio over 76 plate appearances. LuJames Groover was optioned to Triple-A Reno in a corresponding move.

With Max Kepler joining the team on Thursday, someone needed to get the boot from the Diamondbacks’ bench and Tawa would up drawing the short straw. The 27-year-old hit just .172/.270/.266 with one homer, eight RBI and an 18/9 K/BB ratio over 76 plate appearances with the Diamondbacks.

Kepler will have a chance to make his debut for the Diamondbacks after being suspended for the first 80 games of the campaign for violating MLB’s drug policy. The 33-year-old will likely get time in the corner outfield against right-hand pitching, but it’d be fair to say that a wait-and-see approach is appropriate in terms of a potential add to a fantasy roster. Tim Tawa will be optioned to Reno to make room for Kepler.