Most Disappointing Arizona Diamondbacks Players in Spring Training so Far

The Arizona Diamondbacks began spring training games Wednesday, the first step toward getting ready for the 2015 campaign. 

Several players have opened eyes thus far in limited time such as Walter Ibarra, Peter O'Brien, Rubby De La Rosa and Archie Bradley to name a few. 

On the other hand, several big-name players who are supposed to contribute greatly during the upcoming season have not performed as predicted.

Will they pick it up before April begins?

Here are three D-Backs players who have been disappointing in spring training thus far.

A.J. Pollock

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

A.J. Pollock was a breakout player for the D-Backs in 2014 hitting .302 with 32 extra-base hits despite missing most of the season with a fractured hand. 

His combination of speed and power at the top of the order was invaluable in last year's weaker lineup. The D-Backs were 25th in the MLB in home runs and at times struggled to score runs.

He is projected to begin the season as the leadoff hitter. Pollock will look to set the table for power hitters Paul Goldschmidt, Mark Trumbo and Yasmany Tomas early in games.

However, Pollock has failed to record a hit thus far in six at-bats, striking out once. Obviously the sample size is small but his ability to put the ball in play while pressuring the defense with his speed should allow him to break out of his early spring struggles.

D-Backs fans can only hope. 

Jeremy Hellickson

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

Acquired from the Rays in the offseason, Jeremy Hellickson is projected to begin the season as Arizona's No. 2 starter. 

That is, if he can stay on the field. According to Jesse Sanchez from MLB.com, Hellickson was forced to end a pitching session with cramp in his right rib cage area. 

Although it was ruled precautionary, any sort of injury should raise concern for D-Backs fans. Hellickson underwent elbow surgery last season.

For a player who won the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2010, Hellickson has struggled to consistently win games and stay on the field since the fabulous rookie season.

Last season following the surgery, Hellickson went 1-5 with a 4.52 ERA.

It is vital that he returns to the mound as soon as possible considering the D-Backs rotation has a lot of questions entering 2015.

Yasmany Tomas

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

The D-Backs' most enticing move of the offseason was the signing of Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas to a six-year, $68.5 million deal.

The power-hitting outfielder has begun to make the transition to third base in Arizona, in order to hopefully open up a spot in the outfield for the surprising David Peralta.

At first, reports were positive regarding Tomas' transition to third base. However, Nick Piecoro of AZCentral.com points out that Tomas has struggled at times with his technique, resulting in misplayed grounders and several bobbles.

The bigger concern may be his offense. In nine at-bats in spring training, Tomas has also failed to record a hit.

With the potential to hit 30-plus home runs in 2015 hitting behind Paul Goldschmidt and possibly Mark Trumbo, it is essential that Tomas adjusts to MLB pitching before the regular season gets underway. 

It is also ideal for Tomas to work out the kinks at third base so that Peralta, Pollock and Trumbo can remain in the lineup on an everyday basis.