D-backs’ A.J. Pollock hitting well in minor-league rehab stint
Aug 12, 2016, 7:22 AM
(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock is on the path back to the big leagues.
The 2015 All-Star suffered a fractured right elbow in an exhibition game against the Kansas City Royals April 1. Some believed he would miss the entire 2016 season, but Pollock operated on a different timetable.
The 28-year-old is back on the field and hitting the ball well in a minor-league rehab stint that currently has him playing for the Visalia Rawhide in the High-A California League.
Pollock went 2-for-2 with an RBI and a walk in Visalia’s 4-0 win over Bakersfield Thursday night. He drew a walk in the first inning, delivered a run-scoring single in the third and led off the sixth with another base hit.
In three games with the Rawhide, Pollock is 5-for-7 with a home run, three RBI, three walks and a stolen base. Before that, he appeared in two games in the Arizona Rookie League and went 2-for-6 with a walk.
He has played only one game in the outfield, getting a start in center Wednesday night. The other four games have seen Pollock serve as a designated hitter.
D-backs manager Chip Hale announced last week that Pollock could return to Arizona before Sept. 1.