Willie Bloomquist (oblique) took batting practice and played three innings in an extended spring training game on Thursday. It's the first time he's done either since being placed on the DL with an oblique strain prior to Opening Day. "He's getting closer, but he's got a ways to go," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. It's not clear when Bloomquist will begin a rehab assignment, but it shouldn't be long.

Diamondbacks placed SS Willie Bloomquist on the 15-day disabled list with an oblique injury. Bloomquist has a Grade 2 strain of his right oblique and will be sidelined 2-4 weeks, so he'll likely miss all of April. Josh Wilson will open the season as the Diamondbacks' primary utility infielder.

Willie Bloomquist (oblique) will open the 2013 regular season on the 15-day disabled list. Bloomquist suffered a Grade 2 strain of his right oblique Tuesday night in a Cactus League game. There is no timetable for his return. He could miss all of April.

Willie Bloomquist (oblique) is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Wednesday. Bloomquist left Tuesday's Cactus League game with a right oblique strain. Even if it's something minor, the veteran utility man appears bound for the disabled list.

Willie Bloomquist left Tuesday's game with a right oblique strain. It will surely land him on the disabled list to start the season. Bloomquist is currently slated to serve in his regular utility role.

Willie Bloomquist left Tuesday's game with an undisclosed injury. Bloomquist walked gingerly back to the dugout after fouling off a pitch. It's not clear at this point what injury he has, but it's worth noting that he dealt with back problems last season. The D'Backs will update his status shortly.

Willie Bloomquist (back) will have no limitations in spring training. Bloomquist spent the offseason working with a "stretching guru" and the Diamondbacks trainers and strength coaches after a back injury ended his 2012 season prematurely. The 35-year old utility infielder hit .302 with a .724 OPS in 338 plate appearances last year.

Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said Friday that Willie Bloomquist (back) is unlikely to play again this season. Bloomquist hasn't appeared in a game since September 3 due to a back injury. The back is now pain-free, but Gibson doesn't see any reason to push it at this stage of the season. "What do we have to gain?" said Gibson. "It doesn't seem very smart or reasonable." Bloomquist is hitting .302/.325/.398 with a .724 OPS in 80 games this season and is under contract for $1.9 million next year.

Willie Bloomquist (back) isn't with the Diamondbacks on their road trip. Their road trip ends on Thursday, so Bloomquist won't be return before next weekend, if at all. Limited to just three games since the beginning of August due to back issues, he'll get in some action in instructional league games this week to see how he responds.

Willie Bloomquist (back) is feeling better but isn't quite ready to return to action. Bloomquist has been limited to just three games since the beginning of August due to back issues, but it sounds like the D'Backs could have him available soon. "He's been feeling much better," manager Kirk Gibson said. "I think we're probably looking at maybe giving Willie some more intensive activity."