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Seven Tucson Sidewinders learned Sunday they received promotions to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Only one of them has yet to make his major-league debut.

So, naturally, the news might have been most thrilling to first baseman Josh Whitesell.

The D-backs will recall catcher Robby Hammock on Monday and pitchers Billy Buckner, Leo Rosales and Doug Slaten; infielders Jamie D'Antona and Whitesell; and outfielder Alex Romero on Tuesday after the completion of the Sidewinders season. All but Whitesell have played for the D-backs at some point this season.

"I was hoping and anticipating there was a good chance. You're never 100 percent sure until it actually happens," said Whitesell, who hit .329 with 26 home runs in his first Triple-A season. "The last few weeks I was hoping and kept plugging along hoping it would happen. Now that it has it's a good feeling."

Whitesell earned the call-up after a torrid second half. He hit .403 after the All-Star break. Farm director A.J. Hinch noted that the left-handed batter improved his defense, calmed down his approach and has not tried "to hit the ball 500 feet every time he swings." The D-backs claimed Whitesell off waivers in March from the Washington Nationals.

"The amount of days and months he has maintained his above-average performance has been great," Hinch said. "He hit a stride midyear and never let up."

Before rain suspended Sunday's 3-3 tie against Salt Lake, Buckner allowed three runs in two innings. The game will resume at 3:30 p.m. today as part of a doubleheader to conclude the season.

"The results weren't great, but my body felt good," Buckner said. "I bounced back after one day off. …I'll be a reliever for the rest of the year. I'm looking forward to September."

The D-backs designated Sidewinders reliever Emiliano Fruto for assignment to make room on their 40-man roster for infielder David Eckstein, whom they acquired in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The D-backs have 10 days to trade or release Fruto or put him on waivers.

Struggling with his command, Fruto was 6-6 with a 5.26 ERA.

"He's been a guy who's had a lot of success in this league in the past," Sidewinders manager Bill Plummer said. "He got off to a rough start. He had a streak where he pitched well and then struggled."

Evan MacLane finished his comeback year by throwing six scoreless innings in Saturday's 3-2 loss to Salt Lake. After he posted a 7.70 ERA last season with Tucson, MacLane recorded a 4.96 ERA in 2008.

Plummer has called him the team's most consistent starter.

"I wanted to prove to (the D-backs) that hey, I can pitch and I am good and you guys are going to want me in the organization," MacLane said. "I proved that this year."

Said Hinch: "He's somebody we're happy to have on board with us and we've seen some growth in him, which is always important."