D-backs won't rush Hill into full duty

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- D-backs second baseman Aaron Hill tried to sell his manager on the fact that he was well enough to start Tuesday night's game against Team Mexico, but Kirk Gibson wasn't buying it.

Hill has been bothered by a sore left hip flexor and limited to pinch-hit duty.

"I told him the last couple of days that I wanted to play, but I didn't win that battle," Hill said. "I'm still trying to work on him for tomorrow."

Hill may as well save his breath, because after watching outfielder Cody Ross go down with a lower left leg strain that was not expected to be serious, the D-backs are going to make doubly sure that Hill is ready before he plays again.

"We're not going to try to make him push through something right now and end up with someone else who's [missing] extended time," Gibson said.

Hill said he first felt some discomfort after going through fielding drills during a morning practice.

"I didn't think it was anything big so I just kept doing everything and it didn't make it worse," Hill said. "It's just there. I don't have a problem playing through stuff."