Bloomquist's injured hand feeling better

ATLANTA -- D-backs infielder Willie Bloomquist was pleasantly surprised when he woke up in his Atlanta hotel room Friday.

Bloomquist's ailing left hand had made considerable progress. Bloomquist was hit in the hand by a pitch Wednesday night, and even though X-rays were negative, he woke up Thursday to more swelling and pain than he expected.

Friday was a different story.

Bloomquist played catch Friday and gripped, but did not swing, a bat as well.

"A lot closer," he said of being able to swing. "I would have said yesterday there was no chance of anything yesterday, but today I put a glove on and grabbed a bat. I don't know if I can swing yet."

The D-backs must be convinced, because instead of putting Bloomquist on the disabled list to make room for Eric Chavez, they designated Eric Hinske for assignment.