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Chavez, 35, had 3 rehab games at Triple-A Reno, going 2-for-8 (.250) with 2 walks. He suffered a right oblique strain on May 30 in the first inning at the Texas Rangers. In 38 games this season, he is hitting .325 (37-for-114) with 18 runs, 7 doubles, 1 triple, 7 home runs and 25 RBI with .368 on-base and .588 slugging percentages. At the time of his injury, his .394 average since April 28 (min. 50 at-bats) ranked third to Joey Votto (.414), Marco Scutaro (.413) and Yadier Molina (.400) while his .984 fielding pct. (1 error in 67 total chances) ranked fifth among all third basemen (min. 30 games).
Hinske, 35, hit .173 (9-for-52) with 3 doubles, 1 homer and 6 RBI in 52 games for the D-backs. He signed as a free agent on Dec. 7, 2012. Over parts of 12 seasons in the Majors, he has hit .249 (947-for-3797) with 240 doubles, 18 triples, 137 homers and 522 RBI in 1,387 career games.
The news of Chavez's return was not unexpected, but it wasn't clear what the corresponding roster move would be. Moving Willie Bloomquist to the disabled list as a result of his hand issue was one possibility, though it was reported that his hand was "much improved" from yesterday, and there'd be no need to sideline him. Instead, it seems that the team has decided to operate without a regular backup for Goldschmidt at first-base. Though Hinske's overall offensive production was low, his value was off the bench as a pinch-hitter, where he hit .225/.311/.375, not far off the average NL line for the position (.229/.294/.347).
It is kinda sad, after Hinske's pivotal role in the brawl against the Dodgers, and his shameful treatment by MLB as a result, even though his punishment was reduced on appeal. I can do no better than quote kishi on the topic:
Aw, Hinske. Couldn't we keep him until the next LA series, let him punch Puig in the face in the first inning, and then DFA'd him in glory?
— Devin Jessup (@kennokishi) June 28, 2013
There will likely be another roster move tomorrow, with J.J. Putz having a locker at Turner Field, which would suggest the tenure of Will Harris or Zeke Spruill with the club is likely to be over.