With closer Brandon Lyon, above, pitching three straight days from Friday to Sunday, and with other relievers nursing injuries, the Diamondbacks have used former Sidewinders closer Leo Rosales in key spots recently.

Other articles by Sarah Trotto:

UA volleyball: Sophomore ready to lead the team Defense keeps Wildcats close to No. 8 Aggies Cats have little time to study for No. 8 Texas A&M Cats in NCAAs 'for sure' after sweep Pre-game attitude worries coach needlessly Mexican team of four finishes 1-2-3-4Allar, 23, wins it for her coach Wildcats need deliveries by posts, guards Mexican rider wins 26th El Tour de Tucson (with video and slide show) Cats feed off crowd's inspiration to defeat another ranked team

General
CORT
WAREHOUSE/DRIVER Health Care
Rio Salado College
PA's/Online Instructors General
CORT
Warehouse Supervisor Education
Assessment Technology, Inc
Social Studies Content Writer Construction
Komatsu Equipment Co
Mechanic

PHOENIX — Injuries have depleted the Arizona Diamondbacks bullpen, pushing reliever Leo Rosales into more critical situations.

Rosales, the Tucson Sidewinders closer earlier this season, pitched in the seventh inning Friday and relieved struggling closer Brandon Lyon in the ninth Sunday.

"We've pitched him in any role," manager Bob Melvin said of the right-hander, who has a 3.00 ERA, six strikeouts and six walks in 12 innings — his first career major-league action.

"He's got a great change-up that he'll throw in any situation and hasn't seemed in awe of anything, whether it's in a long role or a seventh-inning situation like (Friday) night."

Rosales (1-0) began throwing the tumbling change-up as a senior at Cal State-Northridge five years ago. He settled on a grip for the pitch during his first minor-league season after the Padres drafted him in 2003.

In fact, Rosales was a second baseman and shortstop during his first two years of college. He became a full-time pitcher as a junior at Northridge.

"They said I had a pretty good arm to pitch, so they said, 'Why not give it a shot?' It worked out," said Rosales, 27, whom the D-backs acquired from the Padres last year.

With setup man Chad Qualls out Friday with back tightness, Melvin called on Rosales in the seventh of a one-run game. Rosales struggled, allowing a game-tying homer and blowing a save in the 8-7 loss to Los Angeles.

"There's definitely room for improvement, so I'm just working on that, trying to be more consistent," Rosales said.

Melvin turned to Rosales again Sunday to relieve Lyon after the closer had allowed five runs in the ninth against the Dodgers. Rosales allowed an RBI single before inducing an inning-ending flyout.

Rosales credited Lyon for tutoring him and reminding him to stick to his strengths.

"It's tough to watch that (Sunday)," Rosales said. "He's one of the guys who's helped me out a lot, just showing me the way. I'm sure he'll bounce back."

Melvin admitted his team is "lucky" to have maintained first place in the NL West after its recent struggles.

"We had some leads going into the sixth or seventh inning and we don't come away with a win," he said. "Those in part can be deflating, yet in baseball it just happens."

Melvin maintained his support for Lyon, who has allowed seven runs in his last 1 2/3 innings.

Lyon has 20 saves and was unavailable Monday after having pitched three consecutive days.

"He's absolutely our closer, and he's had a good year to this point," Melvin said.

First baseman Tony Clark also voiced his support for Lyon. The crowd greeted Lyon with boos after he headed to the dugout Sunday.

"There isn't a night that I wouldn't feel comfortable having Brandon on the hill," said Clark, reacquired from San Diego last week.

● Right-hander Juan Cruz (oblique) likely will throw a bullpen session today before going on a minor-league rehab assignment.

● Justin Upton (oblique) has yet to take batting practice but has been taking swings.