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)

LISTEN: Chip Hale, D-backs' Manager

BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN

ArizonaSports.com lead editor

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.

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Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock, right, watches batting practice prior to the Diamondbacks' baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Shelby Miller throws to a Los Angeles Dodgers batter during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Welington Castillo, right, gets ready to tag out Los Angeles Dodgers'' Josh Reddick as Reddick tries to score during the second inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Welington Castillo, center, dives to tag out Los Angeles Dodgers' Josh Reddick, right, as Reddick tries to score, while home plate umpire Doug Eddings watches during the second inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock, left, is congratulated by Jake Lamb after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a baseball game, against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Ross Stripling throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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)

Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock, right, hits a solo home run as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal, left, and home plate umpire Doug Eddings watch during the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Shelby Miller throws to a Los Angeles Dodgers batter during the second inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Actor Charlie Sheen, right, talks with former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda as they during a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Actor Charlie Sheen, right, talks with former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda during a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Chris Owings, right, scores on a sacrifice fly by Jake Lamb as Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal waits for the throw during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Josh Reddick, right, scores on a single by Andrew Toles as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Welington Castillo stands at the plate during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner is congratulated by manager Dave Roberts after scoring on single by Josh Reddick during the third inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

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