Patrick Corbin on mound at Phillies

The Diamondbacks open a three-game road series in Philadelphia against the Phillies at 4:05 p.m. on Friday. This is your home for the latest Diamondbacks game day news. Come back for more updates.

Pollock set for rehab assignment

A.J. Pollock’s return from a groin injury is drawing near, with Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo saying Friday his center fielder will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Lovullo said Pollock might only need 10 to 15 at-bats in the minors before he’s ready, and though he wouldn’t map out exactly when he could return, it would seem the beginning of the upcoming homestand next weekend would be possible.

“We’ll see,” Lovullo said. “We’ll how he does (Saturday) and then maybe I can answer that question (on Sunday).”

Lovullo said Pollock ran the bases without restrictions on Friday, the first time he’s done so since the injury occurred on May 14, when he pulled up in pain on his way to first base on a routine single to right.

“He had a really good day (at Salt River Fields),” Lovullo said. “He was on the bases, he ran through the bases, ran around the bases, and tested it about as much as he could.”

Pollock, who is scheduled to play five innings for Reno on Saturday, had three at-bats earlier this week in a simulated game, the only game action he’s had since the injury. But Lovullo thinks it’s less about the number of at-bats and more about just being prepared for game action.

“It’s more about getting into the rhythm of the game,” Lovullo said, “(and) being able to play the way he wants to play – an aggressive, attacking style of baseball, and understanding in his head that his lower half is ready for those challenges.”

Lineup

1. Gregor Blanco CF

2. David Peralta RF

3. Paul Goldschmidt 1B

4. Jake Lamb 3B

5. Chris Owings SS

6. Brandon Drury 2B

7. Daniel Descalso LF

8. Jeff Mathis C

9. Patrick Corbin P

Pregame notes

Diamondbacks LHP Patrick Corbin (5-6, 5.38 ERA) vs. Phillies RHP Aaron Nola (3-4,4.40 ERA) 

Patrick Corbin gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings last week against the Padres, but he again struggled in the first inning, giving up two runs. He has allowed 18 runs in the first inning in his 13 starts.

Corbin has faced the Phillies twice in his career, posting a 6.94 ERA in 11 2/3 innings. 

Aaron Nola gave up three runs in five innings against the Cardinals on Sunday. In his previous outing, he tossed eight strong innings against the Braves, giving up just one run on five hits and one walk.

Nola missed a month’s worth of starts with a back strain earlier this season.

Archie Bradley has everything you want in a late-innings relief pitcher. Since transitioning to the bullpen to begin the season, the right-hander has flashed a powerful 98-mph fastball and displayed command of a deceptive curveball.

Beyond that, the bearded 6-foot-5-inch Oklahoman is an imposing figure on the mound. And the way Bradley is throwing right now, having posted a minuscule 1.21 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings, he’s quickly become one of the more feared relievers in the National League.

“He’s been exciting to watch,” Diamondbacks pitching coach Mike Butcher said. “It’s a new role for him, but he’s taken it with open arms and has really excelled. At first it started off with us really getting him innings, and he’s earned his way to the back end of the bullpen. He’s really throwing the ball extremely well for us.”

But Bradley has done more that just have an impressive few months. He’s been the key to transforming the dynamic of an extremely effective Diamondbacks bullpen.

Leadership is the bridge between talent and success. The 2017 Diamondbacks are proof.

The team is 15 games over .500. They have nine more victories than the Cubs, the reigning World Series champions. Their sturdiness and conviction are beginning to captivate a region that hasn’t seen a playoff game in downtown Phoenix since 2011.

But long before the Valley regained trust in their erratic baseball franchise, these Diamondbacks bought into the new regime. That’s where this surprise story begins, connecting the dots between individual talent and clubhouse empowerment. And because good leaders know that belief is one of the most powerful forces on the planet.

“There’s a lot of confidence in our clubhouse,” Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb said. “We expect to win. We expect to be at the top of our division at the end of the year. And it doesn’t matter what anyone else says because we’re the ones that take the field every night.”

Saturday’s game

Diamondbacks at Phillies

When: 1:05 p.m.

Where: Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia.

Pitchers: Diamondbacks RHP Zack Godley (2-1, 2.44) vs. Phillies RHP Jerad Eickhoff (0-7, 5.09).

TV/Radio: FSAZ/KMVP-FM (98.7), KHOV-FM (105.1).

For the first time all season, Godley appears to have a decent hold on his spot in the starting rotation. He deserves it, given that he’s posted a 2.44 ERA in seven starts, never allowing more than three earned runs in an outing. … He is holding opponents to a .570 OPS; that would rank second in the National League if he had enough innings to qualify. … He has faced the Phillies just once, tossing a scoreless inning in relief last year. … Eickhoff had a promising first full season for the Phillies last year, logging 197 1/3 innings with a 3.65 ERA. He has not had the same success this year. After posting a 2.55 ERA in his first four starts, he’s allowed 33 earned runs in his past 46 innings (6.46 ERA).  … Eickhoff faced the Diamondbacks twice last year, giving up three runs in 5 2/3 innings in the first start and two runs in five innings the other one. … He averages 91 mph with his fastball but he’s known for his curveball, a pitch he throws about 31 percent of the time.

Coming up

Sunday: At Philadelphia, 10:35 a.m., Diamondbacks LHP Robbie Ray (7-3, 2.62) vs. Phillies RHP Ben Lively (1-1, 3.00).

Monday: Off.

Tuesday: At Colorado, 5:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zack Greinke (8-3, 3.00) vs. Rockies RHP German Marquez (5-3, 4.19).

Wednesday: At Colorado, 5:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Taijuan Walker (5-3, 3.32) vs. Rockies RHP Jeff Hoffman (4-0, 2.25).