D-backs’ Nick Ahmed scratched from Monday’s lineup due to knee soreness

SCOTTSDALE — Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed was a late scratch ahead of Monday’s matchup with the San Francisco Giants.

He’s listed as day-to-day with right knee soreness. There are currently no tests or procedures planned for the shortstop.

“I figured at this point in spring training let him get ahead of that,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said pre-game. “I’ll keep you guys posted on his progress in the coming days. Nothing that we’re overly concerned about.”

In Ahmed’s place at shortstop Monday afternoon is Josh Rojas, who moves over from second base. Josh VanMeter, who was previously slotted to play third, slides in at second, with Andy Young now commanding third.

Ahmed accounted for 29 RBIs, 53 hits, four stolen bases and 18 walks last season (57 games). He averaged .266 and posted a .327 OBP, both career highs.

This spring (four games), Ahmed has two doubles, a stolen base and two runs scored. He’s been walked twice and struck out three times. He’s averaging .250 to go along with a .400 OBP in 10 plate appearances.

“I think through the course of camp you see different situations pop up on different guys — different nagging injuries, not situations,” Lovullo said. “Just little nagging injuries that some guys are more aware of than others. Nick’s very good at expressing himself with just letting us know where he’s at and how he’s feeling.

“Once again, he came and let us know and I just felt it was the right thing to do. I think it’s just part of the normal spring training aches and pains that these athletes go through.”

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