The start of the D-backs’ Summer Camp is Friday, so we thought this would be a good time to answer some questions. There were a lot of questions this week about what the D-backs could do at designated hitter and with the 60-man player pool.

Let’s get right to the Inbox:

Seeing a ton of prospects on the 60-man player pool, what are the chances we see someone like Alek Thomas, Geraldo Perdomo or J.B. Bukauskas make the team for the season? If so, who is most likely?
-- Kyle, Mesa, Ariz.

One of the reasons the organization placed its top prospects on its initial 60-man player pool was to make sure that they are able to continue their development over the next few months, given that the Minor League season has been canceled. Of the organization's top 10 prospects in the MLB Pipeline rankings, I would think catcher Daulton Varsho (No. 3) and right-hander Corbin Martin (No. 7) would be the most likely.

With the shortened season, how will the Trade Deadline be affected?
-- Jakob, New Market, Minn.

Instead of the usual July 31 Trade Deadline, it will be Aug. 31 this year. Teams will be limited in which players they can trade. Only players who are part of the team’s 60-man player pool will be eligible to be traded. Also, any player who is acquired must be assigned to the team’s player pool. That is likely going to limit the number of Minor Leaguers who get dealt this year.

• Roster and transaction rules for 2020

Does the universal DH help get Josh Rojas more at-bats (by having Jake Lamb and Kevin Cron not play defense), or does the shortened season mean less days off for regulars and less opportunity for utility guys like him?
-- Joe, Phoenix

How managers adjust the way they run a game, utilize a pitching staff and make out a lineup with a 60-game sprint instead of a 162-game marathon is going to be fascinating to watch. I think D-backs manager Torey Lovullo will use Lamb a lot in the DH spot, but he’ll also rotate guys to give them some rest.

• Breaking down the D-backs' DH options for 2020

If a guy gets hot, though, I could see Lovullo riding him, given how every game in a 60-game season is crucial. I would feel a lot better about Rojas’ chances of getting more at-bats if he hit from the right side. With both corner outfielders -- David Peralta and Kole Calhoun -- also being left-handed hitters, it's a little more challenging. Getting off to a hot start at the plate is going to be crucial for anyone wanting regular playing time this year.

What does the future of Robbie Ray look like?
-- Mike, Phoenix

Pre-pandemic, I would have said that Ray would play out this year and likely would depart via free agency. Now, I really don’t know what to think because trying to predict what the free-agent market will look like this offseason is next to impossible. You would imagine that a guy like Ray still will get big offers, but who knows what teams' financial situations will look like at that point. Ask me again when this season is complete and the picture might be a little clearer.

What happened with Silvino Bracho? He was not listed on the 60-man player pool.
-- Paul, Phoenix

Bracho experienced a setback in his comeback from Tommy John surgery, D-backs general manager Mike Hazen said. He experienced some discomfort during his throwing program and is not as far along as hoped, so he was left off.