The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Nick Ahmed returns to the diamond Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first time since March 6 after knee soreness and a personal reason sidelined the shortstop.

“Perfect. He’s done a great job, obviously several days off, but he’s been keeping himself in good baseball shape,” skipper Torey Lovullo said over Zoom while holding two thumbs up before the game.

“Super excited that he’s back in the lineup. Had a brief conversation with him today and he said he’s ready to go and eager to get after it.

The shortstop last played against the Texas Rangers on March 6 before missing time due to right knee soreness.

Ten days later, Ahmed was back in the starting lineup, but was scratched hours later with what Lovullo called a personal reason. Despite the late scratch, both the manager and D-backs GM Mike Hazen expressed minimal concern regarding Ahmed’s status moving forward.

In four spring training games (10 plate appearances), Ahmed is averaging .250 and has recorded two doubles, a stolen base and two runs scored. He’s struck out three times and has been walked twice.

Through 57 games last season, Ahmed registered 29 RBIs, 53 hits, four stolen bases and 18 walks. He set career highs in batting average (.266) and OBP (.327).

BASE HITS

– Lovullo on outfielder Kole Calhoun, who underwent a partial medial meniscectomy on March 3:

“Kole took swings in the cage and threw. He felt very good. He’s on pace to ramp that up hopefully on Sunday. … So he’s in a really good spot. When he lands back in the lineup we’re not sure, but we’re very encouraged by what he’s doing and what he’s feeling in the feedback he’s given us.”

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