Arizona Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said opening the season on the disabled list is an option for All-Star outfielder A.J. Pollock.

Pollock has been dealing with soreness in his right elbow since March 8, and he was expected back in the lineup by early next week. Hale said he wants Pollock to get at least 35 at-bats in the remaining spring games.

"He has to get enough at-bats to feel ready," Hale told reporters. "So if that's not possible, then maybe the DL is an option."

If Pollock does land on the disabled list, it will be a short stint, according to the manager.

Pollock appeared in minor league games Thursday and Saturday and will play again Sunday. He has just eight at-bats this spring.

Last Thursday, after his first game in more than two weeks, Pollock told reporters that he "felt pretty good." The All-Star went 0-for-4 and struck out twice but was happy to take the next step in his rehab process.

"It's good to get some at-bats," Pollock told reporters. "There's a couple of things I have to work on. But overall, just getting out there and being another step toward getting back with the squad is always a positive."

Pollock, 28, batted .315 with 20 home runs, 76 RBIs, 111 runs scored and 39 stolen bases -- all career highs -- last season. The Diamondbacks open the season against the Colorado Rockies on April 4.