D-backs’ A.J. Pollock shows off ‘better’ arm post-surgery
Sep 6, 2016, 10:34 PM | Updated: 10:36 pm
Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock, left, hits a solo home run as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal watches during the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
A.J. Pollock has flashed his speed and his hitting ability through his first 10 games since his return from an elbow injury, but the 11th showed something else.
With a runner at first base and one out into the second inning of a 5-2 D-backs loss Tuesday, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Andrew Toles took a Shelby Miller pitch into right-center field, where it bounced off the outfield wall. The Dodgers’ Josh Reddick rounded third and headed home.
Pollock, however, hit second baseman Jean Segura with a laser, and Segura relayed the throw to D-backs catcher Welington Castillo, who dove to tag Reddick out near home plate.
8⃣-4⃣-2⃣
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— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 7, 2016
The play was noteworthy based on what Arizona manager Chip Hale had told Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s Burns and Gambo earlier in the day.
“I don’t think A.J.’s missed a beat defensively, running the bases,” the skipper said. “You can notice if you watch him throwing with the arm, his arm is even better than it was before the surgery. It’s really amazing to me.
“Hitting-wise, he’s had some really good games, he’s had some games where he has some scuffles. And that’s just basically from not having enough at-bats. He changes the way everybody thinks about this team.”
Pollock also showed off his bat, hitting his second home run of the season on Tuesday, to give Arizona an early 1-0 lead.
So far, he’s hitting .278 with an on-base percentage of .250 while slugging .444 to go with four RBI. He also has four stolen bases.
