Pollock plays an important role for the Diamondbacks, by setting the table for the lineup hitting leadoff and providing Gold Glove caliber defense in center field.
The team didn’t have him for nearly two months as he was sidelined in the middle of May with a groin injury and returned at the beginning of July. Pollock’s absence didn’t derail the club as they played remarkably well while he was on the disabled list, by going 31-14.
This doesn’t mean the Diamondbacks are a better team without him; it shows they’re a resilient team and can adapt to losing a key player on the roster.
Pollock has struggled since returning, as he’s accumulated just a .216 batting average with just one RBI in 11 games. This wasn’t a major surprise, given his long time being sidelined. It will take some time before he gets back to being the hitter he was pre-injury.
In 18 career games against the Nationals, his numbers aren’t impressive. The outfielder has a .246 average and .561 OPS with seven RBIs and just two extra-base hits. He went two-for-13 in the series against them earlier this season.
The versatile player is coming along slowly and as the calendar moves forward his level of play will improve.