D-Backs’ Calhoun eager to see old friends in return to Anaheim

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Richard Morin | The Republic | azcentral.com

Michael Chow/azcentral sports

There is a “possibility” that Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb could rejoin to the team for its upcoming road trip, manager Torey Lovullo said on Wednesday.

Lamb, who is currently in the midst of a rehab assignment, rejoined Single-A Visalia on Wednesday after a two-day hiatus from the club. Lamb is expected to play the field in Lancaster, Pa., and get 3-4 at-bats after an off day Tuesday.

Lovullo said the team will evaluate Lamb after his game on Wednesday and make a determination if the third baseman is ready to rejoin the big club or whether he needs more at-bats.

“I’m going to say that there is a possibility,” Lovullo said of Lamb meeting the team on its upcoming road trip, which begins Friday in New York. “I don’t want to get trapped by that, but we need Jake Lamb. We know that we need Jake Lamb, and we want to get him here. But we want to make sure that he’s healthy and ready and gets every at-bat he needs.”

The news of Lamb’s seemingly impending return comes one day after the Diamondbacks announced that outfielder A.J. Pollock will miss 4-8 weeks with an avulsion fracture in his left thumb.

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Lamb injured his shoulder on April 3 and experienced right elbow tendinitis during rehab in early March. Lamb said earlier this week that the tendinitis was no longer an issue, and that his focus was making sure the shoulder was healthy before being activated off the disabled list.

Before his injury, Lamb managed only 18 at-bats this season and posted a .278 batting average to go along with a .350 on-base percentage and five RBIs.

The Diamondbacks are in dire need of a left-handed bat to hit in the middle of their lineup. Right now, that role is being filled by Daniel Descalso, who made his second straight appearance hitting third on Wednesday.

Miller to throw again

Diamondbacks right-hander Shelby Miller will throw his second game in extended spring training on Friday, Lovullo said.

According to the manager, Miller is expected to throw four innings and 65 pitches in the game. In his first start on May 11, Miller pitched three innings and threw 30 in-game pitches. He tossed another 10 or so in the bullpen.

Lovullo wasn’t sure on Thursday whether Miller would need another start in extended spring training, or what the next step would be for the right-hander.

“He’s feeling good, and that’s a great sign,” Lovullo said of Miller. “We have to all resist the temptation to push too hard, too fast. If we need to wait the extra starts to get him here without setbacks, that’s the priority.

“We’ve waited a long time, and if we have to wait an extra 10 days then we will.”

Updates on Delgado, Shipley

Right-handers Randall Delgado (shoulder) and Braden Shipley (elbow) were off on Wednesd, but both were expected to throw again on Friday.

Delgado is expected to throw a bullpen session on Friday, Lovullo said. Shipley will pitch in extended spring training on Friday.

Both Delgado and Shipley have been playing catch with one another during the Diamondbacks' homestand. They had worked their way up to 120 feet while throwing in an “aggressive” nature, Lovullo said.

Marrero trade completed

The Diamondbacks on Tuesday completed the trade that brought Deven Marrero to Arizona, sending minor-league pitcher Josh Taylor to the Boston Red Sox as the player to be named later in the deal.

Taylor, a 25-year-old lefty, was 1-2 with five saves for Singe-A Visalia this season. Taylor was originally a draft pick by the Philadelphia Phillies but was traded to the Diamondbacks in 2015.

Marrero, 27, has appeared in 29 games for the Diamondbacks this season and has posted a .196 batting average and a .485 OPS (on-base plus slugging).