Is A.J. Pollock okay?

A.J. Pollock has been somewhat of a cause for concern this spring. The Diamondbacks’ superstar, who has been out of the Cactus League since March 8 with an elbow injury, could begin the season on the disabled list.

Pollock started playing in minor league games last week but is still not ready for big-league action. Chip Hale said that if he does start the season on the disabled list, it will be so he can get some extra at-bats in rehab games.

A.J. Pollock will be fine. The fact that he’s playing in minor league games right indicates this. If he’s placed on the 15-day disabled list, look for him to miss far less than the first 15 days of the regular season. The team will probably place him on the list retroactively, which will mean he can return sooner. Giving him these at-bats in the minors will give Pollock the spring warmup time he missed out on while he was injured.

If Pollock does miss some time it is likely that Socrates Brito will start in his place in right field, with David Peralta in center. Brito has had a spectacular spring—he’s batting .327/362/.455 with a home run, seven runs batted in and three steals in 18 games this spring, going so far as pushing Yasmany Tomas for his starting job. If Brito plays well enough in Pollock’s absence, he could carve himself out a more regular spot on the roster.

When Pollock does come back he will be slated to hit out of the leadoff spot.