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It was a long time coming for Buddy Baumann. Hopefully he can make the wait worth it.
Baumann, a 28-year-old pitcher for San Diego, was finally called up to the majors on Friday after he spent the first seven years of his professional career floating around in the Kansas City minor league system. He wasn't signed to a big-league contract until just this past winter.
Baumann had to deal with injury to start the 2016 season, but the Padres hope he can contribute.
Here's what else is happening around the National League West:
-One SB Nation writer weighs the idea of the Shelby Miller trade being the worst in Diamondbacks history.
-With more than 70 games left to play, the Rockies' starting rotation is looking strong.
-The Giants' second-half schedule is pretty standard, but with the Dodgers having one of the easiest, San Francisco will have to remain consistent.
-Adrian Gonzalez will look to continue his hot streak at Chase Field, where he has excelled as of late.
-There are two teams that can really help address some of the Rockies' needs as trading season rolls in.
-Dodgers' pitching prospect Jose De Leon had another strong showing, this time in Triple-A Oklahoma City.
-There's no denying the incredible talent of Madison Bumgarner, but ESPN ranked him strangely high on their list of the greatest southpaws of all time.
-The Padres gave up Andrew Pomeranz in a trade with the Red Sox but gained a valuable prospect in the process.
-Check out this open letter to Tony La Russa, as the Diamondbacks continue to scuffle.