MLB: Injured Players That Will Make an Impact in 2017
By Jason Reed
A.J. Pollock
The Arizona Diamondbacks took a massive hit this season due to A.J. Pollock’s injury. In a year that had endless expectations, rightfully so after the blockbuster signing of Zack Greinke and trade for Shelby Miller, the Diamondbacks saw their biggest talent outside of Paul Goldschmidt go down. Pollock fractured his elbow in March and required surgery. This surgery kept him out until late August, when he returned to play 12 games and then went down with a groin injury. Pollock almost undoubtedly is expected to be ready for the start of 2017, and we should see him return back to form.
Although in his 12 games this season he put up below average numbers, that shouldn’t be the basis of predicting Pollock’s upcoming season. He should retake the reins in center field, and if the D-Backs bolster their lineup even further we could see Pollock put up career numbers. Pollock has plenty of time this winter to heal, and that time will serve him well.
With Pollock returning, the D-Backs may finally come close to meeting 2016’s expectations. Greinke will need to put up 2015 numbers, but with Pollock back Arizona’s offense will return to glory. Pollock returning adds a quality bat and glove, and surges the D-Backs into playoff contention. Seeing the Diamondbacks battle with Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Colorado’s offenses will be fun to watch. Pollock returning almost ensures the NL West may have another playoff team.