Prospect O'Brien mulling return to catcher

PHOENIX -- D-backs prospect Peter O'Brien is not ready to put his catching gear away for good just yet.

O'Brien experienced some issues throwing the ball back to the pitcher during Spring Training, and when he opened the Triple-A Reno season he shifted to the outfield. The 25-year-old's best position has always been in the batter's box, and he hit .284 with 35 doubles, 26 homers and 107 RBIs in 131 games for Reno while playing almost exclusively in the outfield.

Since being called up to the big leagues in September he has seen very limited action -- six plate appearances, four of which came as a pinch-hitter -- and only seven innings in the outfield.

With A.J. Pollock, Ender Inciarte, David Peralta and Yasmany Tomas already fighting for time in the outfield, O'Brien's best opportunity of getting to the big leagues next year is behind the plate.

D-backs manager Chip Hale said O'Brien recently approached the team about moving back behind the plate.

"I think he does want to get back behind the plate," Hale said. "So that will be his decision. He's shown up here that he can hit, he's a Major League bat. Obviously being able to catch would help him come here and be here sooner."

Worth noting

• Shortstop Nick Ahmed had an MRI taken of his ailing back, and it appears his season is over. Ahmed injured his back making a diving stop while the team was in Los Angeles last week.

"Nothing serious, but there are some issues in there with bruising and different things," Hale said. "I do not think he's going to be able to play again this season. He'll be fine, but we just don't want to push it and re-injure him."

• D-backs closer Brad Ziegler was not with the team Tuesday night as his wife gave birth to a baby girl Monday night in Kansas. Hale said he was not sure when Ziegler would return to the team.