Peralta plays in extended game, nears return to D-backs

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta took a significant step toward his return to the team on Wednesday and appears on track to be back early next week.

Peralta got five plate appearances and played four innings in right field against Rockies minor leaguers on the Colorado side of Salt River Fields complex. Peralta, out since May 9 with inflammation in his right wrist, was 1 for 4 with a walk, an RBI and a stolen base.

"It was a really good first day," said Peralta, who was put on the disabled list May 15. "I got good at-bats. I was trying to see as many pitches as possible. My wrist feels 100 percent."

Peralta was play in a second extended spring training game Thursday and take a day off Friday. He said the plan is then to play two games at Triple-A Reno over the weekend, "unless they need me in Chicago."

The D-backs play three games against the Cubs at Wrigley Field Friday through Sunday and then return home Monday to open a nine-game homestand against the Rays, Marlins and Dodgers.

"From the moment we put him on the DL and he started his work, things have improved every day," D-backs manager Chip Hale said before Tuesday's loss. "He just gives us more energy, there's no doubt about it. He's a very good player, that's the biggest thing. He can hit. He's a left-handed hitter. He can hit behind (Paul Goldschmidt), whether it's fourth or fifth. He's a huge part of our offense, so we're excited to get him back and get him back healthy."

Before the injury, Peralta was batting .260 with three home runs and 12 RBI in 33 games.

"Everything was good," Peralta said of Wednesday's work. "But we'll see how I feel tomorrow."