Junior

Spivey

Spivey’s injured ankle has been fitted with a special lightweight brace.

Spivey could soon be cleared to start a rehab assignment.

''It felt good to hit the ball hard,’' Spivey said. If Spivey gets things going near the top of the order, a lot of Diamondbacks could break out of slumps pretty quickly.

Manager Ned Yost said that Spivey is ''about 80 to 85 percent’’ ready to return. Keith Ginter, who got off to a hot start, hasn’t made the most of Spivey’s injury, falling into an 0-for-12 slump.

Spivey said his strained hamstring is making a little bit of progress every day.

Carlos Baerga started in Spivey’s place. Spivey is day-to-day.

Junior Spivey had been hitting second, but was slated for the fifth spot. Instead, he’s expected to be in the No. 3 spot Opening Day, followed by Geoff Jenkins, Lyle Overbay, Wes Helms, Ben Grieve, and Chad Moeller. Scott Podsednik and Craig Counsell with hit 1-2. Spivey might not be the best choice for a No. 3 hitter, but his value gets a big boost there.

The Brewers probably will deal Spivey rather than try him in right field or play him over Keith Ginter at second base. Boston and Cleveland are supposed to be two of the clubs showing interest. If the Indians are willing to give up Alex Escobar, a deal could get done. Escobar, Jose Cruz Jr. and future non-tenders Juan Encarnacion and Gabe Kapler are among the players the Brewers will consider for their right field vacancy.

Spivey is eligible to come off the DL June 30, but could miss another week or two as the Diamondbacks have a plethora of capable infielders.

Spivey will undergo a conservative rehab in which he will spend the first week attempting to reduce all the swelling and regain full range of motion. He faces postseason surgery if he experiences any lingering problems.