D-backs update Ward's timetable for return

LOS ANGELES -- D-backs manager Chip Hale gave an update Monday on hitting coach Turner Ward, who left the team last week for personal reasons.

"He went home to be with his wife. ... She's had some surgery," Hale said before the opener of a three-game series at Dodger Stadium. "She's doing great."

Asked about a timetable for Ward's return, Hale said Ward will likely be gone through the weekend series in San Francisco, "then we'll see how she's doing, and when he'll be able to get back." 

Minor League hitting instructor Chris Cron, father of the Angels' C.J. Cron, has been with the big league club during Ward's absence and has been working with assistant hitting coach Mark Grace.

Worth noting

Hale said right-handed reliever David Hernandez, who pitched a scoreless inning Sunday against the Mets in his first Major League outing since Sept. 29, 2013, bounced back just fine.

"He could go today," Hale said. "He's gone back to back in the Minors [during his rehab], but we might stay away from using him that way right away."

Hernandez tore an elbow ligament during Spring Training in 2014 and underwent Tommy John surgery.