D-backs' Hill to return for road opener vs. Nats

PHOENIX -- Arizona will get a big boost to its lineup Tuesday when the club begins a 10-game road trip in Washington. D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said Aaron Hill would be activated from the disabled list after the team's 4-2 loss to the Reds.

To make room on the roster for the move Tuesday, Arizona optioned left-handed reliever Joe Paterson to Triple-A Reno.

Hill has been on the shelf with a broken left hand since April 15. He was hit by a pitch on the hand April 9 against the Pirates.

"It's been a long time," Hill said. "These guys have been doing a great job; it's been tough to see how much fun these guys are having."

In six rehab games with Triple-A Reno, the second baseman went 9-for-24 with eight runs and six RBIs.

"I took some good swings; the timing was there," Hill said. "I got the amount of at-bats I wanted, so I'm good. It's all about how you feel. Hits are always nice -- you never complain about a hit -- but you know when your swing is there and feeling good."

To help protect the healing bone, Hill wear will padded batting gloves at the plate. In 36 at-bats to start the season before getting hurt, the 31-year-old collected 11 hits including three doubles and two homers.

"It'll be awesome to get him back," Paul Goldschmidt said. "Obviously he's a very good player. We all know what he can do. It's good to get him back."

Paterson made two appearances out of the bullpen for Arizona, allowing a run on two hits over 2 1/3 innings.