Report: D-backs SS Nick Ahmed fractures wrist in rehab game

On the same day Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed became eligible to return from the 60-day disabled list from a fractured hand, he was dealt another blow. AZ Central’s Nick Piecoro reports that Ahmed was diagnosed Monday with a fractured wrist that could keep him out 6-8 weeks.

Ahmed injured his right wrist Sunday night when he was hit by a pitch playing in his second rehab game with Triple-A Reno.

The shortstop last played for Arizona on June 27, when he was struck in the same hand by a pitch in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ahmed was batting a career-high .251 with 21 RBI and six home runs in 53 games for Arizona before the hand injury.

Ahmed said on Aug. 8 that he expected to be available to return to MLB immediately after his 60-day DL stint expired.

“Once I had the surgery and got the cast off and the pins out, it was really stiff and was a little nervous on how quickly I’d come back, but it’s been progress every day and haven’t had any setbacks,” Ahmed said. “I think I’ll be on for another two and a half weeks but I’ll definitely be ready when that time’s up and hopefully slightly before that — will come back at 100 percent and be ready for a playoff push.”

Now comes the hard part for the D-backs.

Arizona’s shortstop position began the year with depth as Ahmed and Chris Owings made the Opening Day roster and 23-year-old Ketel Marte relegated to Triple-A Reno.

A fractured finger has Owings on the disabled list until the end of September at least while Marte, who is batting .256 with 14 RBIs and four homers in 45 games, suffered a tweaked hamstring on Saturday.

Veteran Adam Rosales, who was acquired from the Oakland As before the trade deadline, started in Marte’s place on Sunday.

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