RHP Greinke could return from injury after pitching rehab start in the Arizona League

MILWAUKEE – Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke is scheduled to make a rehab start Friday in the Arizona League at Salt River Fields, the next step in his recovery from a left oblique strain.

Greinke will throw 60 pitches in the game and if all goes well, he could rejoin the Diamondbacks.

The team could also opt for one more rehab appearance; the status of the Diamondbacks’ bullpen would seem to be a factor in the decision as Greinke would be held to an 80-pitch limit in his return.

“We’ll have to see how he feels after the 60,” manager Chip Hale said.

Sidelined since leaving a June 28 start against the Phillies, Greinke threw a 40-pitch bullpen Tuesday and “felt great” Wednesday, Hale said.

Arizona’s ace isn’t the only injured player progressing, with a return to action for center fielder A.J. Pollock being discussed among team personnel.

It’s possible Pollock, who’s missed the entire season after fracturing his right elbow, could be cleared to play games in the next couple of weeks.

“He’s doing great,” Hale said. “I just smile when I think of him. He’s really coming.”

While a definite plan hasn’t been finalized, Hale made it clear Pollock’s rehab stint would “start all the way at the bottom” before working his way back up to the big leagues.

Others on the mend

Catcher/outfielder Chris Herrmann (sprained right hamstring) is hitting and throwing but hasn’t started to run.

Shortstop Nick Ahmed continues to rest as he deals with right hip impingement.

Mixed results

After the departure of closer Brad Ziegler earlier this month via trade, the Diamondbacks planned to shift more responsibility to the younger members of the bullpen.

A few seemed to have capitalized on the opportunity, while others are struggling to find a rhythm.

Lefty Zac Curtis didn’t inherit the best situation Tuesday when he replaced right-hander Daniel Hudson in the eighth after Hudson gave up a tworun single to put the Brewers up 6-4. Curtis had two runners on and only one out, but he struck out Andy Wilkins to secure out No. 2.

Trouble, however, ensured after that, with Curtis walking Keon Broxton to load the bases and then walking in a run before giving up a two-run single, spelling the end of his night.

On Wednesday, Curtis threw a bullpen to work on mechanics. In 13

of work this season, Curtis has walked 13 batters.

“You gotta put some numbers up, and you’ve gotta pitch,” Hale said. “He knows that. He knows there’s some pressure on him, but he also knows he’s in a situation that a lot of guys would love to be in.”

On the flip side, Hale mentioned right-handers Enrique Burgos and Jake Barrett as youngsters who have stepped up with the increased workload.

Barrett, in particular, seems to be thriving. He carried an 11-game scoreless streak into Wednesday’s game, the longest stretch by a Diamondbacks rookie since Andrew Chafin tied the rookie franchise record with 19 straight scoreless outings from July 10 to Aug. 22, 2015.

“They’re pitching leverage innings for us now and doing a better job,” Hale said. “Is it perfect? No. But it’s going to come, and it’s exciting to see them make some progress.”

Four in a row

Infielder Phil Gosselin started his fourth consecutive game Wednesday, his longest streak since he made five straight starts June 19-24, and it makes sense why.

In his previous three starts before Wednesday’s game, Gosselin went 6for-14 (.429) with two doubles and an RBI.

While he doesn’t change his pregame routine up too much when he’s starting as opposed to preparing to potentially pinch hitting, Gosselin acknowledged it’s somewhat easier at the plate when he’s taking regular atbats.

“Feel a little bit more comfortable up there,” he said. “More in a groove. It’s always a good thing.”