ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs outfielder A.J. Pollock to FOX Sports Arizona: ‘I’m right there’

Jul 27, 2016, 7:18 PM | Updated: Jul 28, 2016, 11:24 am

More than three-and-a-half months have passed since Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock underwent a complex elbow surgery to repair a poorly-healed rebreak of a 2010 injury.

In other words, it’s a few weeks beyond the minimum three-month timeline Dr. Don Sheridan placed on Pollock’s recovery.

Wednesday morning, Pollock took in his first batting practice and told FOX Sports Arizona he’s mentally prepared to make his return.

Whether that comes soon, in a few weeks or even a couple months remains a mystery to Pollock.

“Doctors — we’re just kind of communicating with them, making sure they’re comfortable with what we’re doing,” Pollock said in an interview with FOX Sports Arizona. “I’m not going and doing any CT scans or X-rays. It’s all done. It’s just a matter of getting the volume. You play every single day in baseball so there’s a progression not only to get the right distance on the throws and the right amount of swings but to do it back-to-back days and then do it three days in a row.

“They just want to make sure that when I’m out there, there’s no setbacks and I can worry about playing.”

The Diamondbacks have no reason to rush the 2015 All-Star back, especially if they continue to slump.

But as Chip Hale’s job security becomes more of a storyline, there could be time left for Arizona to make a realistic-or-not-so-realistic attempt at salvaging the season.

Friday could be telling. Hale hopes to have third baseman Jake Lamb back after sitting out the last few games with a banged up hand, and outfielder David Peralta is likely to return to the majors after a rehab stint with Triple-A Reno. Ace Zack Greinke, meanwhile, is expected to throw a rookie league game as he returns from an oblique injury.

If the D-backs begin turning things around in the next week, perhaps they will have more urgency to speed up Pollock’s return to the field.

Whenever they decide to set a timeline, it could still be a bit before Pollock works his way back to the majors.

“As long as he’s been out, you’d start all the way at the bottom and then work your way up,” Hale told the Associated Press, referring to Pollock’s possible rehab assignments.

But for what it’s worth, Pollock feels ready.

“I’m right there,” the center fielder said. “I feel like there’s a couple more progressions that the trainers and everyone want to see. They don’t want to rush me back.

“I don’t know exactly when they’re going to let me start that, but I think that’s soon.”

Arizona Diamondbacks

Blake Snell...

Associated Press

Blake Snell and San Francisco Giants agree to $62 million, 2-year contract, AP source says

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $62 million, two-year contract.

4 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen named Opening Day starter

The Arizona Diamondbacks named Zac Gallen the starter for Opening Day on March 28 when the Colorado Rockies come to Chase Field.

6 hours ago

Merrill Kelly...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen building strong outings with Opening Day near

Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly followed Zac Gallen's scoreless outing Sunday with one of his own Monday against the Athletics.

7 hours ago

Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder...

Kevin Zimmerman

D-backs’ Alek Thomas found confidence with just 2 swings in 2023 playoffs

Two Alek Thomas home runs during the 2023 playoff run for the Arizona Diamondbacks helped build his confidence. You can guess one of them.

10 hours ago

Alek Thomas...

Alex Weiner

NL West preview: Where do the Diamondbacks fit in a new-look division?

No division was more prevalent in the news cycle than the NL West. Here's a preview of the Dodgers, D-backs, Giants, Padres and Giants.

15 hours ago

Corbin Martin...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks option RHPs Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi in final week of spring training

The Diamondbacks continued to clear up roster battles by optioning pitchers Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi and Blake Walston Triple-A.

15 hours ago

D-backs outfielder A.J. Pollock to FOX Sports Arizona: ‘I’m right there’