TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -Eric Byrnes’ return to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ lineup has been delayed a few days.
Arizona manager Bob Melvin had thought about putting Byrnes in the lineup when the Diamondbacks play Oakland in Phoenix on Tuesday. Instead, the outfielder will play in a minor league game.
“He wanted to play, I wanted him to play, but it’s probably the smart thing to do to make sure we cover all the bases before he gets out on the field,” Melvin said before Arizona played Colorado on Monday.
Melvin said the fact that Byrnes had yet to play in the outfield in a game situation was one consideration.
Byrnes, recovering from hamstring injuries that sidelined him for all but 52 games last season, said he understood.
“It’s not like I’m not playing, I’m just playing here. I would have liked to have gone up to Phoenix but I think the biggest thing is they want to keep me in a more controlled environment until probably after the off day,” Byrnes said.
ay when they face the Los Angeles Angels in Tempe.
“It makes sense,” Byrnes said. “I’m just anxious to be out there, but I think the best thing is to totally listen to the trainers at this point. It’s been a nine-month process, so I put my trust in them and I have no problem with it.”
Byrnes saw his first game action in a minor league contest Sunday. He went 3-for-5 with a walk. He also stole a base and tested the hamstring further when he had to tag up and advance in another situation. He said he was clocked in 4.18 seconds running out a ground ball to first. He said he regularly was timed at 4.2 before he was hurt.
“It’s going to be a little sore, but for the most part it’s a lot better today than I thought it would be,” Byrnes said. “There’s been minimal soreness in there. I feel like I could play today, no problem, which is a big step.”
Just where Byrnes – in the second season of a three-year, $30 million contract – would play is another problem. The Diamondbacks’ outfield is set with Conor Jackson in left, Chris Young in center and Justin Upton in right. Melvin has talked about Byrnes spelling all three at times.
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