Durazo Returns, Replaces Grace

Erubiel Durazo, activated from the disabled list Thursday, will replace Mark Grace as the Arizona Diamondbacks’ everyday first baseman.

“The way Ruby played this spring, the way he played in his rehab, it’s very apparent that it’s his time to show what he can do,” Manager Bob Brenly said before Thursday night’s game against Philadelphia. “Gracy will still be a huge contributor to this ballclub.”

Grace, who turns 38 on June 28, has been a starter throughout his 13-year major league career, but said he understands Brenly’s decision.

“A big weapon is back now, and that’s only going to help us,” Grace said. “I’ll come off the bench or play defense late, whatever they want me to do.”

Durazo was hitting .535 with six homers, five doubles and 16 RBIs in 16 games in spring training before breaking his wrist while swinging at a pitch March 20 against San Diego.

Durazo will be a fixture in the cleanup spot in the batting order.

Brenly has used seven players in the No. 4 spot this season.

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The San Diego Padres put slugger Phil Nevin on the 15-day disabled list because of a sprained left elbow.

The move was retroactive to Sunday, meaning the first baseman will be eligible to be activated May 27, when the Padres open their next home stand.

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Ken Griffey Jr. will remain out of the Reds’ lineup until at least next week as he recovers from an injured knee.

“We’re being cautious here,” Cincinnati medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek said. “We don’t want him to come back too soon.”

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Columbus Clipper Manager Brian Butterfield was fired and replaced by former major league slugger Frank Howard on an interim basis.

Howard, 65, has been a special assistant in the Yankee organization.