The Arizona Diamondbacks have had one complicated off-season when it comes to the outfield and now it’s about to get a little more confusing. Adam Eaton, projected to be the starting center fielder for the Snakes this season, will miss up to two months with a strained left elbow.
The lefty will not resume baseball activities for four weeks and is looking at a 6-8 week recovery time.
Eaton, a top prospect, posted a .382 OBP in 85 ABs as a 23 year-old-rookie last season before breaking his hand. The young outfielder is being given the reigns to the future with the departure of Justin Upton through a trade in the early winter. The rookie was hitting .390 this spring with 10 RBI.
With these moves, it means the D-Backs still have a full outfield with Gerardo Parra likely to take over center field and Kubel and Ross in the corners. Ross has missed most of the spring due to injury which could open the door for A.J. Pollock to get some playing time. Pollock has hit just .228/.323 with 11 strikeouts and 13 hits this spring. Ross is still recovering from a calf injury and remains questionable for opening day.
The D Backs can take a few approaches. Eric Chavez, long-time injury prone but extremely effective in small doses, can take over third base and Prado can move to the outfield while Ross and Eaton are sidelined, or Parra and Pollock can try to take over outfield duties and Chavez can back up Prado. Willie Bloomquist, like Prado, is capable of playing just about everywhere and can provide depth.
More D-Backs News: The Diamondbacks and Paul Goldschmidt are engaged in ongoing dialogue about a multi-year contract extension. Tyler Skaggs posted an ERA of 11.00 in nine Cactus League innings and though he has been optioned should get a call-up sometime during the 2013 season. Didi Gregorius is scheduled to resume throwing this weekend.
