Perdomo ‘extremely close’ in return, other defenders progress

PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo described Geraldo Perdomo as “extremely close” Friday on his way home.

Perdomo, Arizona’s everyday shortstop, played in just seven games this season before tearing the meniscus in his right knee.

“Jerry ran 80 percent today with a light jog, which was awesome,” Lovullo said. Burns and Gambo from Arizona Sports. “At-bats, taking ground balls – he’s extremely close.”

Lovullo pointed out that it was very good news recently for all the D-backs with major injuries, including starters Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez, as well as center fielder Alek Thomas.

Kelly’s most recent MRI showed “significant healing” while Rodriguez’s throwing program began with him at 60 feet. Thomas also faces live bats at Salt River Field with some light jogging.

Kelly suffered a major right shoulder strain after making four starts this season. Rodriguez has yet to pitch this season. He strained his shoulder before the season started, and his progress was notable enough that Lovullo said before the game that they had to take it out and made sure they were careful in the process.

Thomas strained his left hamstring in early April and suffered a setback earlier in May, requiring a PRP injection.

Arizona managed to hold on, entering Friday’s series with a 24-26 record despite suffering significant losses. The contributions at shortstop, in particular, have been the most notable to fill. Spring training invitee Kevin Newman is hitting .276 in 35 games and 111 plate appearances with a .744 OPS.

Lovullo said before the game that Perdomo would continue to be the everyday shortstop upon his return despite Newman’s form and that he would have some conversations with Newman going forward once Perdomo’s schedule was cemented. The manager is still interested in finding a role on the ballclub for Newman at this point and will locate different types of opportunities.

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