"The Diamondbacks made a handful of anticipated September call-ups and one that surprised everyone - even the player himself.

Veteran Robby Hammock, best known for catching Randy Johnson's perfect game in Atlanta in 2004, was among five players added to the roster with expanded rosters in advance of Friday's series opener against the Giants.

Infielder Geoff Blum and lefty reliever Alberto Castillo were activated from the disabled list, and right-handers Sam Demel and Ryan Cook were added to the roster to further bolster the bullpen.

Those were expected. Hammock's call-up wasn't. Hitting .257 with an .848 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) in 101 at-bats for Triple-A Reno, he had signed a minor-league deal and expected to use this season to gradually shift into coaching. Last seen in the majors with the Diamondbacks in 2008, he figured he'd most likely reach the big leagues again as a coach.

"It caught me so off guard," Hammock said of getting the news Wednesday night. "I understand it. I've seen crazier things happen in the game, but that was the last thing on my mind. I was numb for a good hour trying to process everything.""