Robby

Hammock

Hammock, who on Sunday will receive a fifth and final gel injection designed to lubricate the knee, hopes to return by the end of the season. “This was a huge step. It felt good,” Hammock said. “I’m optimistic, but I don’t know how I’ll feel when I wake up (today).” With Arizona playing out the string, Hammock may not come back unless he can return at 100%. We shall see, but in the meantime Juan Brito and recently recalled Chris Snyder will handle the D-Backs’ catching duties.

No wonder all the interest in Hammock dried up. He won’t be able to resume baseball activities for three months after surgery on his throwing shoulder. The Diamondbacks could re-sign him to a minor league deal, but he’s no longer a sleeper for fantasy purposes.

Hammock has already resumed taking batting practice, and he could begin to take part in catching drills next weekend. He’s still expected to begin the year on the DL, but he won’t be too far behind.

“He looked good for a guy who hadn’t seen any live pitching since last year,” manager Bob Brenly said. Hammock remains at least a week away from getting back behind the plate, so he’s expected to open the season on the disabled list.

“It feels fine, but it’s a little tight,” he said. If they can get him enough at-bats next week, there’s a chance that Hammock could begin the season on the active roster, even if he’d only be a bench player.

Hammock is able to hit and play outfield, but he hasn’t caught in a game yet. He’ll miss the first week of the season, leaving Brent Mayne as Arizona’s starting catcher and Bobby Estalella as the backup.

Hammock hit .353 in seven games with Tucson, and will play an eighth game for the Sidewinders tonight. After his stint with Lancaster, he likely will join the Diamondbacks for their flight to Milwaukee on Monday, where he would platoon with Brent Mayne. He could probably return now, but the Diamondbacks want to figure out what to do with Bobby Estalella, who is currently backing up Mayne.

Hammock is recovering from knee surgery.

The team has been cautious since bringing him back from knee surgery April 20th. He’s hitting .344 in 32 at-bats and is worth owning in all fantasy leagues.

“I would imagine we’ll throw him right into the fire,” manager Bob Brenly said. The Diamondbacks have decided to keep Bobby Estalella and go with three catchers and 11 pitchers. Andrew Good will be optioned to Triple-A Tucson to make room for Hammock.