After a bad outing in Triple-A last season, Leo Rosales took out his frustration by punching a wall.
That reaction only led to more frustration. He broke the fifth metacarpal bone in his right, or pitching, hand and was shelved for the rest of the season. He was placed on the disabled list on June 7.
"Emotions took over and got the best of me that day," Rosales, a closer, said.
A two-inch scar from the surgery runs up Rosales' hand. Screws and a titanium plate were inserted. But the hand is feeling good, and Rosales said the injury hasn't affected his pitching.
Rosales, 26, joined other Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers Saturday morning during their first spring training workout at Tucson Electric Park.
Rosales underwent surgery the first week of August and resumed throwing in October. He closed four games during winter ball in Mexico.
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"The hand was never an issue," Rosales said. "It never got into my head, that it's going to be different. It was very relieving because some pitches don't come out the same or something. That was great. Now I can move on."
The D-backs acquired Rosales, who throws a change-up among other pitches, from the San Diego Padres for outfielder and Canyon del Oro High School graduate Scott Hairston on July 27.
Rosales earned 14 saves and had a 3.28 ERA for Portland last season, his first at the Triple-A level. He could wind up with the Tucson Sidewinders in 2008.
"I didn't expect it," Rosales said of the trade. "I've got to look at it in a positive way. Just keep doing what I do and maybe one day I'll get up there (to the majors)."
Sox support NIU
Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen wore a Northern Illinois University hat on Saturday to show support of the victims of Thursday's shooting at the school.
"It's something you don't want to see happen and hopefully it never happen again," Guillen said.
Lyon to close
Arizona manager Bob Melvin has tabbed Brandon Lyon as his closer after the trade of Jose Valverde to Houston because of Lyon's previous experience as a closer in 2005 and success last season. Tony Pena and Chad Qualls will pitch in setup roles.
"Tony had been coming up through this organization as a future closer, so I thought maybe this was his time," Lyon said. "(I'm) definitely excited for the job."
Injury report
● Left-handed reliever Doug Slaten said he is focusing on being ready for opening day and will throw off the mound in a week or two after undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee in October.
"My arm's in shape," Slaten said. "I'm right on target."
Slaten said the surgery was his fourth. He's had two on each knee. Playing pick-up basketball games has hurt his knees, he said.
● Catcher Miguel Montero suffered a broken finger on his right hand two months ago in winter ball, so his swinging and throws have been limited.
