D-backs left-hander Robbie Ray took the next step toward rejoining the club, beginning a Minor League rehab assignment Thursday with Class A Advanced Visalia (Calif.).
Ray has been sidelined since suffering a concussion when he was struck in the head by a 108.1-mph line drive against the Cardinals on July 28. He struck out 11 in 4 2/3 innings of two-run ball against Modesto on Thursday. He allowed four hits and two walks and exited after 80 pitches (58 strikes).
Thursday marked the second time Ray faced live hitters in his recovery. He threw four innings and 50 pitches against D-backs outfielder Yasmany Tomas, who is on the 60-day disabled list, and Minor Leaguers in a simulated game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Saturday.
Ray, 25, was 9-5 with a 3.11 ERA in 20 starts (118 2/3 innings) before the injury. His performance earned him a trip to his first All-Star Game last month.