D-backs recall Opening Day 3B Drew Ellis, option IF Yonny Hernandez

The Arizona Diamondbacks recalled third baseman Drew Ellis from Triple-A Reno and optioned infielder Yonny Hernandez, the team announced Sunday morning.

Ellis started at third base for the D-backs on Opening Day against the San Diego Padres, filling in for the injured Josh Rojas.

The 26-year-old played only three games before the D-backs optioned him to Triple-A on April 11.

Ellis made his MLB debut last season and played 28 games for Arizona. He provided strong defense in the infield but struggled at the dish with a slash line of .130/.277/.203.

He found more success offensively for Reno this season, hitting .238 with an OPS of .844. He had 14 extra-base hits in 28 games played for the Aces.

Ellis joins an infield unit with Christian Walker, Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, Rojas and Jake Hager.

Shortstop Nick Ahmed is on the injured list, and Rojas was hit in the left hand by a pitch on Saturday and exited the game with a contusion.

Hernandez has been optioned to Triple-A twice since the D-backs acquired him in a trade with the Texas Rangers on April 7. He was most recently recalled on Thursday and went 0-for-8 over three games played.

He entered Saturday’s game for Rojas in the first inning and finished 0-for-4.

Arizona takes on the Chicago Cubs from Wrigley Field at 11:20 a.m. on Sunday. Ellis will start at third base and bat ninth.

Tune in on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

Follow @alexjweiner