Pollock set for rehab assignment with Reno

PHILADELPHIA – A.J. Pollock’s return from a groin injury is drawing near, with Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo saying Friday his center fielder will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Lovullo said Pollock might only need 10 to 15 at-bats in the minors before he’s ready, and though he wouldn’t map out exactly when he could return, it would seem the beginning of the upcoming homestand next weekend would be possible.

“We’ll see,” Lovullo said. “We’ll see how he does (Saturday) and then maybe I can answer that question (on Sunday).”

Lovullo said Pollock ran the bases without restrictions on Friday, the first time he’s done so since the injury occurred on May 14, when he pulled up in pain on his way to first base on a routine single to right.

Pollock, who is scheduled to play five innings for Reno on Saturday, had three at-bats earlier this week in a simulated game, the only game action he’s had since the injury. But Lovullo thinks it’s less about the number of at-bats and more about just being prepared for game action.

Koch update

Prospect Matt Koch represented one of the few bright spots for the Diamondbacks last season. The right-hander threw 18 innings in the majors at the end of the year, giving up just four runs while impressing the organization with his mound presence and strikethrowing ability.

But Koch missed most of spring training with a hamstring injury, then developed a shoulder issue early in the season for Triple-A Reno.

But farm director Mike Bell said Koch is close to a return. Koch faced Pollock earlier in the week.