D-Backs take Bloomquist off the shelf

By Anthony Fenech / MLB.com | 05/18/11

PHOENIX -- The D-backs activated infielder/outfielder Willie Bloomquist from the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday.

"DL's are no fun," Bloomquist said. "I'm happy to be off, happy to be back and looking forward to getting back in there soon."

D-backs manager Kirk Gibson didn't write Bloomquist into the lineup against the Braves Wednesday night, but said that he would be available to pinch-hit.

"They have three lefties in their bullpen," Gibson said. "My bench is set up with righties and lefties that I can match up if I have to as we go through the game and he'd certainly be one of those guys."

Bloomquist was placed on the DL with a strained right hamstring on April 25. The 10-year veteran opened the season with a 10-game hitting streak and is hitting .306 with 11 runs scored and seven RBI in 14 games.

Gibson said he would probably move him around the field when he returns.

"He's a veteran guy, he can play all around the field and it gives me a little bit more flexibility to move guys around," he said.

Bloomquist missed 21 games on the DL.

"I'm as close as I can get," Bloomquist said. "I don't think you're ever really 100 percent but I feel good enough to go and I feel like I can do what I'm capable of doing. It's been a long four weeks but I'm ready to go."