Blanco (oblique) took part in an extended spring training game Thursday, starting in center field and receiving five at-bats, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Torey Lovullo said Blanco could play in another game Saturday if he feels good, but it appears the veteran outfielder is getting close to returning to regular action. It will be an uphill battle to prove his worth in the minor leagues after an offseason hindered by injury, so he'll likely serve mainly as organizational depth when he does return.

Blanco (oblique) has begun a throwing program, but has yet to resume swinging a bat, the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Blanco, who attended spring training with the Diamondbacks as a non-roster invitee, was in the running for a reserve role with the big club during camp, but the oblique injury ended his bid. The veteran ended up re-signing with the team on a minor-league deal so he could continue his rehab under the supervision of management, but it still looks like he's quite a ways off returning to game action. Once Blanco proves he's healthy during a rehab assignment in the minors, he could have his contract purchased by the Diamondbacks if the team has a need for additional depth in the outfield.

Blanco re-signed with the Diamondbacks on Tuesday and was assigned to Triple-A Reno, the Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro reports.

EDGE Analysis

He was released by Arizona on Monday, but will return with the knowledge that he will open the year in the minors. An oblique injury limited him in spring training, so he will need to prove he is healthy before he would be considered for a promotion to the majors, where he would likely primarily serve as a defensive replacement off the bench.

Blanco was released by the Diamondbacks on Monday, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Blanco had a clause in his contract that would have allowed him to opt out on Tuesday if he didn't make the Diamondbacks roster. He struggled to hit during Cactus League action (.225 in 40 at-bats with nine strikeouts) and as a result he lost out on a roster spot despite an injury to Socrates Brito. Blanco's defensive chops make him a likely candidate to be picked up somewhere, but he doesn't have the bat to start in a major league outfield.

Blanco is day-to-day with a strained oblique muscle, Nick Piecoro of AZCentral reports.

EDGE Analysis

Per the report, Blanco's chances of making the Opening Day roster could be impacted by the ailment, which is undoubtedly a cause for concern when it comes to the former Giant and his potential career with the Diamondbacks. He hasn't exactly dazzled in 40 at-bats this spring (.225, two RBI, nine runs, four walks and nine K's), so it wouldn't be surprising if the oblique injury -- especially if it keeps him out more than a day or two -- causes him to plummet down Arizona's depth chart.

Blanco has a better shot at making the Diamondbacks' Opening Day roster after Socrates Brito (finger) was ruled out for the next two months.

EDGE Analysis

Blanco, Brito, Jeremy Hazelbaker, and Oswaldo Arcia seem to be the main competitors for the fourth outfielder role in Arizona, but the temporary removal of one candidate certainly helps the veteran Blanco out. The 33-year-old non-roster invitee hasn't made much of his offensive chances in camp thus far, slashing just .143/.250/.286 in 25 plate appearances, but he also is out of minor league options (unlike Hazelbaker), which could help him if he shows enough on the defensive side of things to sway the Diamondbacks brass his way.

Blanco agreed to a minor league contract with the Diamondbacks on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training.

EDGE Analysis

Blanco enjoyed a nice run with the Giants over the past five years, but his 2016 campaign proved to be the worst offensive season of his career. In 274 plate appearances, the veteran outfielder slashed .224/.309/.311 and stole a career-low six bases. The Diamondbacks starting outfielders seem to be set in stone, but Blanco will have a chance to compete for a reserve role.

Blanco will play left field and bat eighth as a late addition to Monday's lineup versus the Cubs, Jayson Stark of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Angel Pagan was a late scratch from the lineup due to back spasms, which led to the addition of Blanco. The veteran is hitless in seven at-bats against Arrieta this season.

Blanco (shoulder) has been activated off the 15-day disabled list in advance of Friday's game against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

A right shoulder impingement has kept the utility outfielder on the shelf since late-August, but after being evaluated earlier in the week, the Giants felt confident that he was ready to get back on the field. He's not in the lineup Friday, but he should be available off the bench and could get into the lineup later in the weekend should one of the Giants' outfielders need a breather.

Blanco (shoulder) will be reevaluated Wednesday, Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area reports.

EDGE Analysis

Blanco landed on the disabled list toward the end of August and little has come out since then by way of a potential timetable, but his status should become a bit clearer following Wednesday's evaluation. Whenever he's healthy enough to rejoin the team, Blanco figures to resume his role as the team's top reserve outfield option.