Ahmed (shoulder) hopes to begin taking at-bats at extended spring training this week, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ahmed was enthused when discussing the state of his right shoulder after receiving two cortisone shots in late March. "It's way better than it was two weeks ago," the shortstop said. According to the report, Ahmed has been hitting and throwing since early last week, which contradicts an earlier report from Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, who indicated Ahmed was hitting and taking grounders but not throwing. Ahmed could return at some point next week while the Diamondbacks are one the road.