Scott

Hairston

Hairston started just one game in the series with the Giants, which certainly shouldn’t make the Dodgers or Cubs happy. “Young players have to realize the need to learn to separate those two things,” Pedrique said. “You can help the team by playing good defense.” Sure, but we still don’t see how that helps Hairston develop, or gives the team a better chance to win with Andy Green at second base. All that matters, though, is that Hairston won’t be worth using unless Pedrique realizes his team has nothing to lose by playing one of their best hitters.

Whether he’ll continue to get any work at second base is still to be determined. Since the Diamondbacks now see Alex Cintron as a second baseman, Hairston should have more of an opportunity to play in the outfield.

Hairston probably wasn’t ever going to turn into an average second baseman. He might have been better equipped to handle third, but it’s the corner outfield spots at which Arizona could soon have an opening or two. Hairston should be ready to play regularly in the majors next year.

He should be about to head back to the minors.

Hairston will likely return to the minor leagues next week.

Hairston said only half of the procedure is actually finished and the rest will be performed on Thursday morning. He could miss a game or two if there is residual pain.

Hairston’s shoulder injury ruined his chances of getting traded before the deadline. It’s too bad, because he could have been some team’s left fielder for the final two months of the season.

Maybe Hairston would have received a real opportunity if he didn’t hurt his shoulder right after he was called up in June. Now, though, he has Carlos Quentin to contend with and Luis Gonzalez is playing quite a bit better. It’s doubtful that he’ll receive much playing time.

Hairston injured his right shoulder after he ran into a wall trying to catch a flyball on Monday. The results of his MRI haven’t been announced yet, but he is likely headed to the disabled list.

“The preliminary report, there’s nothing structurally wrong,” manager Bob Melvin said. “I think we caught a break on that. We’ll see how he is tomorrow.” Hairston still might go on the DL when the Diamondbacks add a fifth starter.