D-backs reinstate Pollock from disabled list

PHOENIX -- In his own mind, D-backs outfielder A.J. Pollock was ready to return from the disabled list after just one Minor League rehab at-bat.
Pollock, who was activated before Monday's series opener against the Cardinals, did wait two games before telling Arizona manager Torey Lovullo that he was fully recovered from the left thumb avulsion fracture he suffered while diving for a ball on May 14.
Following his second game with Triple-A Reno, Pollock sent Lovullo a long text message.
"I'm ready, and here are the reasons why," Lovullo said of what the text said. "Once the medical team signed off on it, for me, there was zero debate and A.J. was basically pounding the table to say that he was ready."
Said Pollock, "For me, I needed one at-bat, but it was good to get that second game."

Pollock was not the only D-backs outfielder rehabbing with Reno. Steven Souza Jr., who is coming back from a strained right pectoral muscle, had been serving as the designated hitter for the Aces. He played right field for the first time on Monday and homered.
"He's getting close, and the fact that he's playing in a game and playing right field is a very good sign," Lovullo said.

It's official: A.J. is back. pic.twitter.com/BMx3Y8b0LL

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 2, 2018

Roster moves
To make room for Pollock on the roster, the team optioned first baseman Christian Walker to Reno.
In addition, the team optioned right-hander Silvino Bracho to Reno and selected the contract of right-hander Joey Krehbiel from Reno.
To make room for Krehbiel on the 40-man roster, right-hander Troy Scribner was released.

Goldy needs your All-Star support
No D-backs player was ranked among the top five in the latest update of the 2018 Camping World MLB All-Star Ballot, which was released Monday afternoon.
• VOTE: 2018 Camping World MLB All-Star Ballot
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who was named June's National League Player of the Month on Monday, has rebounded from a sluggish start to once again rank among the leaders in NL offensive categories. He has not, however, seen a corresponding bump at the ballot box, something his teammates hope changes.
"He's cranked up his year," veteran catcher Jeff Mathis said. "This last month, month and a half, he's been an All-Star, been an MVP, all of the above. He's got my vote."
Goldschmidt has appeared in five straight All-Star Games.
"Paul getting hot is huge," Pollock said. "He's been that guy that's carried us for years. I knew it was a matter of time."
Fans may cast votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on computers, tablets and smartphones -- exclusively online using the 2018 Camping World MLB All-Star Ballot until Thursday at 8:59 p.m. MST. On smartphones and tablets, fans can also access the ballot via the MLB At Bat and MLB Ballpark mobile apps. Each fan can vote up to five times in any 24-hour period for a maximum of 35 ballots cast.
Following the announcement of this year's All-Star starters, reserves and pitchers, fans should return to MLB.com and cast their 2018 Camping World MLB All-Star Final Vote for the final player on each league's roster. Then on Tuesday, July 17, while watching the 2018 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard live on FOX, fans may visit MLB.com to submit their choices for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet with the 2018 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.
The 89th Midsummer Classic, at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., will be televised nationally by FOX Sports; in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS; and worldwide by partners in more than 180 countries. FOX Deportes will provide Spanish-language coverage in the United States, while ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information about MLB All-Star Week and to purchase tickets, please visit AllStarGame.com and follow @MLB and @AllStarGame on social media.

Burying the hatchet
Lovullo said during his pregame media session that he hoped to get a chance during the series to apologize face to face to Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina for his part in their dustup in April in St. Louis.
"Once again, I'm really sorry about that happening," Lovullo said. "I used a poor choice of words and he reacted that way and had every right to."
Lovullo remained in the area behind home plate after the D-backs finished their batting practice, and when Molina came out to stretch, he pulled the catcher aside and spoke with him.
Whatever was said, the two put their arms around each other at one point and then fist bumped before going their separate ways.