CINCINNATI — Outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. had two hits in four at-bats in the Arizona Complex League on Saturday, June 13, and appears to be nearing a return from the injured list — perhaps as soon as the series opener against the Los Angeles Angels at Chase Field.
“Sooner than later – he’ll be back sooner than later,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “I know he played in those (complex league) games and feels good. What the timing is with that I don’t know exactly yet.”
Gurriel had the two hits, both singles, but has gone just 4 for 16 (.250) with one double, one walk and six strikeouts in five games on his rehab ***** ignment.
He's not exactly a hot hitter — and he would be joining a lineup filled with players struggling to get going at the plate. Lovullo was asked if Gurriel’s subpar results make bringing him off the injured list at this time harder. The Diamondbacks have scored 40 runs in their past 15 games.
“I want to be careful, but we’re sputtering a little bit and we need somebody with a presence to step into this lineup and give us a little impact,” Lovullo said. “If they say he’s ready, we’ll get him here. I don’t know what that answer is yet right now.”