Sep 20, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney (15) is forced out by Cincinnati Reds shortstop Didi Gregorius during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. The Reds won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Gregorius was examined by the D’backs team physician, Dr. Michael Lee, who suggested that he limit all activity for four weeks after feeling pain during a January throwing session. According to the Bickley and MJ show on Xtra Sports 910 in Phoenix, the problem is with the ulnar collateral ligament in Gregorius’ throwing elbow and while surgery will not be ordered on the elbow now, that it may be an option if it doesn’t heal in the future.

GM Kevin Towers feels that this will only be a temporary delay for the Dutch product and expects him to begin playing games towards the end of Spring Training if all goes well with a throwing program that will be implemented during the beginning of Spring Training.

Veterans Willie Bloomquist and Cliff Pennington will attempt to take advantage of Gregorius’ absence as they will split most of the time at shortstop during the time that the slick fielding shortstop will be sidelined.

Barajas is back with the team which he began his major league career. Barajas played in Arizona from 1999-2003 and in those years with the D’backs, Barajas hit .219 with 11 home runs and 66 RBI’s over five seasons in the desert.

Apr. 17, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Rod Barajas swings against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The 14-year veteran has played with seven other organizations, spending last season in Pittsburgh. He hit .206 with 11 home runs and 31 RBI’s in 104 games with the Pirates last season.

September 25, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Aaron Hill (2) scores a run on a wild pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at AT

Hill is coming off a fantastic 2012 season in which he hit .302 with 26 home runs, a .360 on-base percentage and a .522 slugging percentage.

The 30-year-old Hill was acquired from Toronto in 2011 along with shortstop John McDonald in exchange for second baseman Kelly Johnson in what might go down as one of General Manager’s Kevin Towers best deals.

Hill’s signing marks the second big signing for Arizona in the last two weeks, joining infielder Martin Prado, who signed a four-year, $40 million deal last week with the team. Hill, Prado, catcher Miguel Montero and outfielder Cody Ross are all signed through the next three seasons and represent the veteran core of the team moving forward. First baseman Paul Goldschmidt is under team control for the next five seasons.