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ARI@LAA: Cahill K's eight over seven in three-hit bid

Diamondbacks pitcher Trevor Cahill has made 19 starts this year, and he's given up a run in the first inning in 16 of them.

The Rockies, his opponent Wednesday, boast the best leadoff hitter in the National League, Dexter Fowler, who carries a .342 average out of the top spot and has one triple off Cahill in one career at-bat. Something has to give as the Diamondbacks go for the series sweep.

In his last start, July 20 against the Astros, Cahill (8-8, 3.77 ERA) earned the win, but yielded two runs in the first frame.

"I felt good today. I didn't carry it over to the first inning, but sometimes it helps you bear down and concentrate more," Cahill said. "I'd like to go deeper into the game, though. I should be able to give them more innings."

Jeff Francis (2-2, 5.24 ERA) will take the mound for the Rockies. The veteran lefty gave up five runs in five innings in his last start at San Diego, snapping his streak of six starts with three runs or fewer.

Francis hasn't pitched against the D-Backs this season.

Diamondbacks: Roberts traded to Tampa Bay
Ryan Roberts, designated for assignment earlier in the day on Tuesday, was traded to Tampa Bay for Minor League infielder Tyler Bortnick.

Roberts struggled this season, hitting .250. He was a big part of Arizona's surprising postseason run a year ago with 19 homers and 65 RBIs.

"I don't know if we would have won the division without what he was able to do on the field both defensively, offensively and on the basepaths," GM Kevin Towers said. "I'm going to miss the way he played the game. He played with a lot of enthusiasm, energy and fire."

Bortnick, 25, is hitting .253 with 48 RBIs for Double-A Montgomery.

Rockies: Giambi to disabled list
Veteran Jason Giambi was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 21, with viral syndrome. Giambi -- who manager Jim Tracy says is experiencing body weakness -- is hitting .241 with four doubles and one homer.

Worth noting
• Rockies catcher Wilin Rosario returned to the lineup Tuesday after missing three games, going hitless in three at-bats.

• The Diamondbacks are on a five-game winning streak after Tuesday's 6-2 victory.

• Michael Cuddyer was the only source of offense for the Rockies on Tuesday, hitting two solo shots. It was the second time in Cuddyer's career that he hit two solo homers in one game.

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