PHOENIX (AP) — Struggling Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton is out of the lineup for the second straight night and the third time in five games.
Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson is giving Upton time off in hopes of jolting the slugging outfielder out of a sluggish start to the season.
Fourth in the NL MVP voting last year, Upton is hitting .243 and has four hits in his last 24 at-bats after going 0-for-4 against Colorado Monday night.
Gerardo Parra, an NL Gold Glove winner last season, has played well in Upton’s place, including a four-hit game with a homer Tuesday night against the Rockies.
Upton appeared to be bothered that he didn’t play in Tuesday’s 10-0 win over the Rockies, but Gibson had him out of the lineup again Wednesday night.
