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MLB Rumor Central: More at-bats for Gregor Blanco in Arizona?

Gregor Blanco has spent the last five seasons in San Francisco, hitting a career-high .291 in 2015. Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports

Gregor Blanco could be in line for more playing time in the Arizona Diamondbacks' outfield if Yasmany Tomas remains sidelined with an oblique strain.

Rumor Central

Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports Tomas, the D-backs’ starting left fielder who has been sidelined since March 6, will be out of the lineup “for an indefinite period of time.” Gilbert says the injury could “open the door” for Blanco to get some extra at-bats and for Jeremy Hazelbaker to make the Opening Day roster.

A career .258 hitter over eight seasons, Blanco agreed to a minor league contract in January after spending the last five years with the San Francisco Giants. Blanco is hitting just .185 in 10 Cactus League games.

Manager Torey Lovullo told Gilbert that veteran infielder Chris Owings is not viewed as a candidate for the starting outfield spot.

- Doug Mittler