Diamondbacks option OF Mitch Haniger, await A.J. Pollock’s return

Aug 25, 2016, 11:40 PM

Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after hitting a two run home run against the Colorado Rockies during the seventh inning of the second game of a baseball doubleheader Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

BY ARIZONA SPORTS

The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned outfielder Mitch Haniger to Triple-A Reno Thursday night, presumably to clear a roster spot for the return of A.J. Pollock.

D-backs manager Chip Hale said Pollock would make his MLB debut after offseason elbow surgery on Friday as Arizona opens a weekend series against the Cincinnati Reds.

Pollock’s final rehab numbers in 40 at-bats at the rookie ball, Single-A and Triple-A levels read a batting average of .425, an on-base percentage of .511 and a slugging percentage of .775.

Additionally, Pollock recorded 12 RBI, five doubles and three home runs to go with seven walks and just two strikeouts during his rehab assignment.

Haniger, 25, earned a callup to Arizona and made his major-league debut on Aug. 16. He batted .237 with six RBI, two doubles and a triple in 38 at-bats with the D-backs.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' Robbie Ray throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Atlanta Braves' Matt Wisler throws a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman walks slowly back to the field after he fell over a railing trying in vain to make a catch on a foul ball during the second inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman follows through on his swing as he connects for a run-scoring single against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Atlanta Braves' Adonis Garcia, middle, celebrates his run scored against the Arizona Diamondbacks with teammates and coaches, including Joel De La Cruz, right, during the third inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Jean Segura, left, tags out Atlanta Braves' Ender Inciarte, right, as Inciarte tries to steal second base during the fourth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Jake Lamb, left, tags out Atlanta Braves' Gordon Beckham at third base during the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Atlanta Braves' Matt Wisler, left, slaps gloves with Dansby Swanson, right, after Swanson made a long throw from deep shortstop to get Arizona Diamondbacks' Mitch Haniger out at first base during the fourth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Chris Owings, left, tags out Atlanta Braves' Matt Wisler (37) at second base to complete a double play during the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

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