D-backs activate Chavez, designate Hinske

ATLANTA -- After watching third baseman Eric Chavez play for Triple-A Reno on Thursday, D-backs general manager Kevin Towers sent manager Kirk Gibson a text message.

"He said he watched him, he's swinging the bat good, he feels nothing and he kind of wanted to push that [move] through," Gibson said. "All these games are important, he's a very good player for us when he was healthy and we thought it was important that he was on this team if he was ready to play."

So Chavez was activated from the disabled list, and infielder Eric Hinske was designated for assignment, which means the D-backs have 10 days to trade or release him.

Chavez was a key contributor offensively for Arizona before injuring his oblique muscle while taking a swing May 30. At the time of the injury, Chavez was hitting .325 with seven homers and 25 RBIs in 114 at-bats.

Hinske, meanwhile, played sparingly. He made just three starts all year, two at first base and one as designated hitter. Of his 58 plate appearances, 48 were as a pinch-hitter, and he batted .173 overall.

The addition of Chavez -- just days after the return of second baseman Aaron Hill -- gives the D-backs more pop in their lineup.

"I think we're going to have more offense," Gibson said. "You add two guys like Chavez and Hill that can hit the ball out of the park, so it adds another element, maybe takes a little pressure off us. Before, it was always manufacture, manufacture and maybe the occasional home run."

To get Chavez playing time at third, Gibson will likely give Martin Prado some time at second, which would allow him to give Hill more rest.

"I'll figure it out," Gibson said. "I told you guys I like to rotate guys."