Hammock in big leagues for first time since ’08

Robby Hammock’s playing career is in the home stretch. In fact,he had already begun to think about taking the next step intocoaching before getting another shot at Triple-A this season.Now, he’s with the first-place Arizona Diamondbacks for thestretch run – back in the big leagues after a three-year absence inwhich the veteran catcher and utilityman more than once thoughtabout hanging up his cleats.An improbable return, for sure. This is the guy who was behindthe plate for Randy Johnson’s perfect game way back in 2004.”It caught me so off guard,” Hammock said Friday, scramblingthrough the clubhouse to get his work done, leave tickets and greetthe pitchers and other teammates. ”I understand. I’ve seen crazierthings happen in the game, but that was the last thing on my mindat the time. I was numb for a good hour trying to processeverything. Obviously it wasn’t something that was based onperformance for the season. It has more to do with history andexperience and the team here being in a playoff race. Who knows, Imight not get an at-bat this whole month.”Or he just might.The D-backs selected Hammock’s contract from Triple-A Reno onFriday, another addition by general manager Kevin Towers for thepennant push after first-place Arizona… Read full this story

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