PHOENIX — An extra lengthy spring training has followed a long two years for Scott Van Slyke, who is finally healthy and, slowly but surely, finding his way back.
The slugging outfielder and first baseman dealt with inflammation in his back in 2015, then in 2016 was even more limited. He missed 49 games near the beginning of the season with more back problems, then missed the final 50 games of the year with right wrist irritation.
Those injuries sapped much of the production from Van Slyke, who hit .235/.310/.361 with seven home runs in 366 plate appearances over the last two years.