D-Backs’ Druw Jones on track in rehab from shoulder surgery
Center field prospect Druw Jones continues to make steady progress in his recovery from shoulder surgery and is expected to be ready at or near the start of the minor league season, General Manager Mike Hazen said.
Last July, Jones became the third highly regarded Diamondbacks prospect in recent years to suffer a major shoulder injury when he tore the posterior labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder.
Jones followed in the footsteps of outfielder Corbin Carroll and shortstop Jordan Lawlar, both of whom needed season-ending surgeries for shoulder injuries during the 2021 season.
Both returned to the field last year and picked up right where they left off, something that gives Hazen confidence that Jones, who has been hitting since January, can do the same.
“We’re feeling pretty optimistic about where we’re going to be,” Hazen said. “The first two have gone extremely well and he has gone on the exact same progression as those guys, so I’m very optimistic that is going to be the outcome.”
Jones was the second overall pick in last year’s draft. On the day he signed his first professional contract, he took batting practice at Chase Field with the big league team. Three days later, he hurt his shoulder taking a swing during his first official workout at Salt River Fields.
Ahmed update
Shortstop Nick Ahmed, who underwent major shoulder surgery in June, will not play in either of Saturday’s split-squad games that are the openers to the Diamondbacks’ Cactus League schedule, manager Torey Lovullo said.
“I’m just going to give him a little bit
of a recovery,” Lovullo said. “He’s been working hard to get back out there. He’ll get out there as soon as we can get him on the field.”
Ahmed needed surgery last year to address a shoulder injury that had been bothering him for parts of three seasons. The procedure repaired a torn labrum, removed two bone spurs and cleaned up his bursa and rotator cuff tendon.
Ahmed says he is “definitely 100 percent” when it comes to hitting. He said he feels like he has full strength on his throwing, as well, but the endurance is not yet built up. “Just have to monitor workload in practice and make sure I don't make 100 throws during the day,” he said. “And be good about my maintenance routine in the training room and weight room and just keeping everything strong and mobile.”
Lovullo did not say what day he planned to have Ahmed make his Cactus League debut.
“I just know he’s on a program,” Lovullo said, “and he’s going to be as ready as he can be by Opening Day.”
Short hops
● The Diamondbacks were awarded a fourth option year with right-hander Corbin Martin, meaning he can still be sent back to the minors this season without needing to be exposed to waivers. Teams are sometimes given a fourth option year, most often for players who missed large chunks of time due to injury, which has been the case with Martin.
● Lovullo said he and pitching coach Brent Strom will be at Salt River Fields for Saturday’s game against the Rockies. Bench coach Jeff Banister will manage the squad that heads to Mesa to play the Athletics.
● Lovullo said veteran reliever Austin Adams, who is in camp on a minor league deal, is on a schedule that puts him behind the rest of the pitchers but could still allow him to be ready by Opening Day. Adams underwent surgery in August to repair a flexor strain.