Pollock eying return around the All-Star break

When it comes to injured players, minor-league rehab assignments and, most importantly, timetables for when his athletes are ready to rejoin the Diamondbacks, manager Torey Lovullo tries to offer as much information as he can. But usually, there are no absolutes.

“We have soft schedules,” he said. “There’s definitely a strategy, but they change. They change constantly, so I can’t give concrete answers when it comes to times. I know that frustrates you guys and I apologize for that, but if they have good days and they progress, we move them quickly. If they need more time, we pull back.”

The good news on that front for the Diamondbacks is that injured center fielder A.J. Pollock, sidelined since fracturing his left thumb on May 14, began his minor-league rehab assignment on Friday night, and Lovullo seems convinced Pollock will fast-track his way back into Arizona’s everyday lineup.

It could be in less than a week at the earliest and very likely before the AllStar break, July 16-19, at the latest.

“We’re optimistic that it will be before the All-Star break, I can tell you that,” Lovullo said before Friday night’s game against the Giants at Chase Field. “That’s what I’m hoping for. Does it happen? We’re not sure.”

Pollock was scheduled to start and play center for Triple-A Reno in its game at Tacoma on Friday night. Two other Diamondbacks on the disabled list, right fielder Steven Souza Jr. and right-handed relief pitcher Randall Delgado, were also expected to see action with Reno on Friday.

Souza (strained right pectoral) served as the Aces’ designated hitter and Delgado (left oblique strain) was set to pitch one inning.

However, it’s Pollock and his ramped up rehab recovery that has everyone talking, including the Diamondbacks’ center fielder.

“I love kind of pushing the envelope on things,” Pollock told the team’s website. “I love every step up the way, trying to maximize the recovery. I feel like I’ve hit every checkpoint. There wasn’t any discomfort throughout the whole entire process from Week 1 until now.”

Lovullo agreed that Pollock has gotten himself ready quickly to play again because of how badly he wants to return to the Diamondbacks’ lineup.

Hirano makes history

Diamondbacks reliever Yoshihisa Hirano set a new franchise record Friday night by extending his scoreless streak to 25 games, breaking a tie with J.J. Putz (2012) and Brandon Lyon (2008) for the longest such streak in team history.

Hirano's streak has covered 22 1/3 innings, which included getting two big outs in the seventh inning against the Giants after relieving Andrew Chafin with one out and a runner at second base.

Short hop

❚ The Diamondbacks recalled infielder/outfielder Christian Walker from Triple-A Reno on Friday and optioned right-hander Jimmie Sherfy to Reno.