Troy brings energy back to D-backs amid postseason chase

HOUSTON – As Tommy Troy reflected on his run-in with the outfield wall at Dodger Stadium on July 11, the rookie outfielder thought the injury was going to be a lot worse than it was.

The sprained right AC joint landed Troy on the injured list. A place he hadn’t been yet in his young career.

“Just continue to feel like I’m with the team, watching the games definitely kept me through it,” Troy said about how he handled being injured. “Because it’s really easy when you’re out, because you want to play, to have a lot of thoughts go around your head. Just feeling uneasy being at home.”

But with a solid support system at home in Arizona, Troy’s family helped keep him feeling good until he could return.

On Friday, the Diamondbacks reinstated Troy from the injured list as they opened a three-game series in Houston.

“An energized player,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said about Troy, who will play outfield and some second base when needed. “He’s always played with a ton of energy and I know that he still wants to come here and show what he’s capable of doing to impact this ballclub. I’m always excited to get that type of player.”

Prior to the injury, Troy was slashing .223/.299/.364 with four home runs, three doubles and nine RBIs in 39 games for the Diamondbacks.

Troy – who began the season as the D-backs’ No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline – returns as the team is in the hunt for October with a current half-game lead over the Padres for the final National League Wild Card spot.

“It’s a perfect time,” Troy said about his return. “A lot’s at stake here and I feel good. I’m just happy to be able to provide whatever I can for the team just for this last stretch.”