Infielder/outfielder Chris Burke appears to be back in a groove after a trying first month with his new team.
Burke has six hits in his last 20 at-bats, with a pinch-hit, run-scoring single against Colorado on May 13 seeming to be the spark, manager Bob Melvin said.
"It seems like every at-bat since then has been a lot better," Melvin said.
Burke doubled and scored twice Sunday in a 4-0 victory over Detroit, when he started at second base for Orlando Hudson.
Burke has been the primary backup to first baseman Conor Jackson, the first time in Burke's career he has played first, and he also has started at shortstop, third base and left field in addition to serving as the principal right-handed pinch hitter.
"Things definitely felt better on the (recent) homestand. It has been good to get in there and make some contributions," said Burke, who was 5-for-39 in April.
"Some of my (at-)bats, I was getting to a place where I was trying something new every time. Finally, I got to a place where I said I'd try to get as close to where I was in spring training and go from there. Fortunately, I've been able to put some good swings on balls."
Burke hit .371 with seven doubles, four home runs and 16 RBIs this spring, leading the NL with 19 runs. He was acquired with right-handers Chad Qualls and Juan Gutierrez for closer Jose Valverde on Dec. 13.
"It's good to get him on a roll, too, because this is a guy who is going to be important to us," Melvin said.
MARLINS 3, DIAMONDBACKS 2: The Diamondbacks ran themselves out of rallies in the fourth and fifth innings Tuesday, and they could not score after loading the bases on three walks in the eighth inning. Arizona wasted the seventh quality start of the season by right-hander Micah Owings, who struck out a career-high 10 in seven innings. Outfielder Chris Young was thrown out attempting to steal third base after opening the fourth inning with a double, and outfielder Eric Byrnes was caught in a rundown off third base with runners on the corners and no outs in the fourth.
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