Esmerling Vasquez, 24, excelled for the D-backs' Double-A team last year, but an injury suffered in the Fall League has caused him to alter his mechanics as he works back into shape with Tucson.

DEAN KNUTH /ARIZONA DAILY STAR

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The Arizona Diamondbacks named Esmerling Vasquez their minor-league pitcher of the year last season after he dominated in Double-A.

But in Triple-A, Vasquez is searching for consistency with the Tucson Sidewinders.

Vasquez, a 24-year-old right-hander, allowed three runs and three hits, struck out two and walked six in 4 1/3 innings in Tuesday's 6-0 loss to Memphis. He also hit a batter and allowed a solo home run and threw 38 of his 85 pitches for strikes.

Vasquez (0-1), a member of the D-backs' 40-man roster, missed the first 3 1/2 weeks of the season while rehabbing a labrum injury in his right shoulder, and issues with his mechanics have caused him to struggle with command. He tore the labrum diving to field a bunt during the Fall League. He did not undergo surgery.

"When the ball comes out (of his hand) it comes out really good when he's working downhill and getting his elbow up," manager Bill Plummer said. "I still think he can pitch in this league. Hopefully we get his arm strength built up and his release point more consistent.

"He has the stuff to pitch here. He had a great year last year in Double-A. He can be a guy who can help us."

In his 14 1/3 innings over four starts this season, Vasquez has allowed 16 walks, 11 hits and has struck out eight. His ERA is 6.28.

Vasquez said his arm feels strong, and an infection in the back of his upper left leg has not bothered him.

"I need to work, take my time and keep working hard every day," Vasquez said.

Pitching coach Mike Parrott said Vasquez is dropping his elbow into his body, causing him to lose command.

"Guys can come back with good mechanics with time off, but when you have an injury and favor that injury, he has to retrain his mind and body to get in that good arm slot," Parrott said. "I keep telling him he's not getting hurt by getting hit; he's hurt by his command right now."

Left-hander Evan MacLane, who was slated to start in case Vasquez could not because of his leg, relieved Vasquez and threw 2 2/3 scoreless innings. He retired all eight batters he faced, and he tripled.

MacLane said he has been trying to pitch more aggressively with more deception. He watched a video of himself pitching in short-season ball and studied his delivery and demeanor. After he allowed seven runs in four innings in his last start, he said, "I've had enough of this."

"With him, it's all about location and being able to pitch off his fastball with his change-up and curveball," Parrott said.

MacLane, who might take Vasquez's start during the upcoming road trip, said he started pitching less aggressively during the 2006 season. Last season, he was 7-7 with a 7.70 ERA at Tucson.

"Last year was just a disaster," he said. "When I went to winter ball I learned a few things, and it helped me a little bit. It kinda got away from me the last few starts. So, it's like, 'Enough of that, let's concentrate on throwing strikes.'"

● D-backs lefty Doug Davis will make his second rehab start with Tucson on Sunday at Tacoma, Plummer said.

● D-backs infielder Chad Tracy returned to the lineup and played third base Tuesday after sitting out Monday with an illness. He has hit 2 for 14 in four games.