Diamondbacks CF Alek Thomas receives injection on left hamstring
Alek Thomas received an injection on his bothersome left hamstring, an indication the Diamondbacks center fielder won’t be returning from the injured list in the immediate future.
“He’s not close to getting back in a game,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “He needs to rest and let this thing settle down.”
Lovullo said Thomas received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection on Monday, a little more than a week after he experienced renewed discomfort in his hamstring.
Thomas initially suffered the injury on March 31 vs. Colorado in the fourth game of the season. He was on the doorstep of a return but felt more discomfort in his hamstring on May 5 during what was expected to be the final game of a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno.
Lovullo said an MRI from last week revealed “swelling in the lower part of his left hamstring, in the tendon.”
“It was just a continuation of the original injury,” Lovullo said. “I think it was not fully healed.”
Lovullo did not offer a clear timetable on when Thomas might be expected to return.
The Diamondbacks have been able to cover Thomas’ absence better than they have other injuries on their roster. Outfielder Jake McCarthy has swung the bat well and Corbin Carroll has acclimated well to center field.
But Thomas is regarded as the better defender in center, and the way he swung the bat in spring training sparked optimism that he could be a bigger contributor at the plate this season.
Jordan Montgomery set to face Reds again in series opener
The Diamondbacks will give the ball to left-hander Jordan Montgomery on Monday night in the first of three games against Cincinnati at Chase Field, hoping for a strong outing against the Reds for the second time in as many starts.
Montgomery has been excellent in three of his four starts this year, proving himself as the reliable presence the Diamondbacks hoped they were acquiring when he signed just before Opening Day.
Last time out, he allowed two runs in seven innings against these same Reds in Cincinnati.
Montgomery’s strikeout numbers have been somewhat concerning, with just 10 in 23 innings. That is less than half his career rate. He’s managed to work around it, though, completing at least six innings in all but one of his starts.
The Reds will start right-hander Graham Ashcraft, who had mixed results against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. He allowed three runs on six hits in five innings.
Ashcraft’s slider has been his most effective pitch this year, with a 36.1% whiff rate. He throws it nearly one-third of the time.
Tuesday’s Diamondbacks-Reds pitching matchup
Reds at Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks RHP Slade Cecconi (1-2, 4.15) vs. Reds RHP Hunter Greene (1-2, 3.38).
At Chase Field: Cecconi worked into the sixth inning last week against the Reds, giving up just one run on three hits and three walks. … It was the third time in four starts he gave up one or two runs in an outing. … 3B Jeimer Candelario took him deep, drilling an opposite-field homer off him in the fifth inning. … Greene was not particularly sharp against the Diamondbacks last week, giving up three runs in five-plus innings. He had allowed one run through five innings before allowing a single and a walk and departing in the sixth. RHP Nick Martinez allowed both runners to score. … Greene’s average fastball velocity in that game (95.4 mph) was significantly down from his season average (97.7). … DH Joc Pederson took him deep in the first inning. … Greene has allowed a little damage off his slider (.265 average, .408 slugging) but gets whiffs on the pitch at a 38.2 percent clip.
Coming up
Wednesday: At Chase Field, 12:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (1-3, 4.60) vs. Reds LHP Andrew Abbott (2-4, 3.35).
Thursday: Off.
Friday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (2-2, 5.33) vs. Tigers TBA.
Saturday: At Chase Field, 5:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (5-2, 2.86) vs. Tigers TBA.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks OF Alek Thomas receives injection on left hamstring
