The collective hearts of the Diamondbacks’ fanbase sank last night when Chip Hale announced that A.J. Pollock will need surgery after fracturing his right elbow.
This is about the worst news the Diamondbacks could have gotten. Pollock was eighth in the National League in fWAR last season; putting him just behind Paul Goldschmidt’s fourth-best mark to form one of the best hitting tandems in baseball. Without Pollock’s Gold Glove defense, blazing speed on the basepaths or 20-home run prowess, it’s going to be very difficult for the Diamondbacks to contend for a playoff spot.
While no official timetable has been announced for Pollock’s return, it’s hard to imagine him coming back anytime before the All-Star break at the absolute earliest– if he even plays at all this season.