The Arizona Diamondbacks have been hit hard by the injury bug thus far in 2012 but they appear to be getting closer and closer to having their roster back in place. General manager Kevin Towers spoke and gave updates on various injured players on Sunday afternoon, including ones on Stephen Drew, Chris Young and Daniel Hudson.
Drew continues to make progress and played three simulated innings earlier in the week. The team will now see how his ankle reacts before increasing his workload. As long as Drew does not suffer any setbacks in the coming weeks, it seems like a return near or around June 1 seems reasonable.
Young, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, will begin taking swings this week. He will need to make sure his shoulder is completely sound before taking hacks in a game to avoid re-injuring himself, but he also appears on the right road to returning sooner rather than later. A return in 1-2 weeks seems pretty likely.
Hudson will begin playing catch this week and continues to improve from a right shoulder impingement. Shoulders are always a sensitive area for pitchers -- and especially those who throw as hard as Hudson does -- so the D-backs will take every precaution as he begins throwing again.
Finally, Takashi Saito appears likely to miss another 2-3 weeks before returning to the mound. He will need to make numerous appearances in a Minor League rehab assignment before evening thinking about joining the bullpen in Arizona.
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