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Healthy Nick Ahmed looking to make his mark on Diamondbacks

Infielder Nick Ahmed #13 of the Arizona Diamondbacks fields a ground ball during the sixth inning of the MLB game against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field on May 14, 2022, in Phoenix, Ariz.
Infielder Nick Ahmed #13 of the Arizona Diamondbacks fields a ground ball during the sixth inning of the MLB game against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field on May 14, 2022, in Phoenix, Ariz.

More than six months removed from shoulder surgery, shortstop Nick Ahmed is hitting and throwing at Salt River Fields, preparing for the start of spring training. His healthy return could mean an upgrade of sorts for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“I’m just really excited to have a full range of motion and not feel pain when I throw and hit every day,” Ahmed said.

Ahmed had been bothered by the shoulder for parts of three seasons. He had season-ending surgery in June to address a labrum tear and two bone spurs and a “clean up” of his bursa and rotator cuff tendon.

He said he has been swinging “full go” for about a month. His throwing has been more of a progression, but he believes he will be in a “really good spot” for the start of camp in three-plus weeks. He does not expect to be limited when spring training begins.

Ahmed, a two-time Gold Glove winner, played in only 17 games last season. His replacement, rookie Geraldo Perdomo, rated among the worst offensive performers in the majors.

Ahmed has never been a highly productive hitter, but a return to his career norms — particularly as it relates to his ability to hit left-handed pitching — could be a boost to the Diamondbacks’ lineup.

Ahmed, who will make $10 million this year in the final season of his four-year, $32 million deal, said he will come to camp looking to prove that he again deserves everyday at-bats.

“I don’t come in with any expectations that it’s my job or anybody else’s job,” he said. “I’m going to come in and prove to (manager) Torey (Lovullo) and the rest of the organization and the team that I’m the best guy for the job. I’m confident that I will do that.”

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San Diego Padres relief pitcher Austin Adams, right, slaps hands with Padres catcher Victor Caratini, left, as they celebrate after a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, in Phoenix.
San Diego Padres relief pitcher Austin Adams, right, slaps hands with Padres catcher Victor Caratini, left, as they celebrate after a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021, in Phoenix.

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The Diamondbacks added to their collection of intriguing bullpen arms in recent days, signing former All-Star right-hander Jeurys Familia and right-hander Austin Adams to minor league deals.

When it came to addressing their bullpen this winter, the Diamondbacks did not make any big splashes, but they did add a number of pitchers who represent upgrades in terms of pure stuff. They signed right-handers Miguel Castro and Scott McGough to major league deals and traded for right-hander Carlos Vargas.

Familia, whose fastball averages 95-96 mph, and Adams, who has had a wipeout slider, could fit the bill, as well.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jeurys Familia (31) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on June 11, 2022.
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jeurys Familia (31) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on June 11, 2022.

Familia, 33, was rated among the league's better late-inning options early in his career with the New York Mets. He has turned in decent seasons as recently as 2020 and 2021. However, he struggled badly last year, splitting time between the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox while posting a 6.09 ERA in 44 1/3 innings.

Familia will make $1.5 million if he makes the team with a chance to earn another $500,000 in bonuses.

Adams, 31, has racked up big strikeout numbers in parts of six major league seasons, most recently with the San Diego Padres. He has also racked up big walk and hit-by-pitch totals, including plunking a record 24 batters in 52 2/3 innings in 2021.

Adams is coming off flexor tendon surgery in August.

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Short hop

Right-hander J.B. Bukauskas, who was designated for assignment earlier this month to clear space on the 40-man for right-hander Zach Davies, was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners.

Reach Piecoro at (602) 444-8680 or nick.piecoro@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickpiecoro.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Healthy Nick Ahmed looking to make his mark on Arizona Diamondbacks