Arizona Diamondbacks' Tim Locastro making case for playing time with spring showing

With Kole Calhoun still expected to open the season on the injured list, the Diamondbacks have at-bats available for the taking in right field. For nearly two weeks, most of the candidates to replace Calhoun couldn’t seem to sustain any sort of momentum.

Then Tim Locastro returned from a two-week absence due to a bout with COVID-19.

Locastro entered Saturday having gone 5 for 10 with one double, one triple, one walk and — of course — a hit by pitch in four games since his return.

He already was a natural candidate to see more playing time this year after his strong finish last season; his recent play makes him an even likelier call for manager Torey Lovullo.

“There is an instant energy and a…