Athleticism helping Owings adjust to center

PHOENIX — What D-backs manager Chip Hale has seen with his eyes has been confirmed by the numbers: Chris Owings’ play in center field has earned a rating of plus-8 in defensive runs saved above average, as tracked by Baseball Info Solutions.

“We’ve seen the numbers, and it’s not surprising,” Hale said. “He gets to a lot of balls. It’s been very impressive. And to continue to get better as a hitter while he’s learning a new position also is very impressive.”

Now consider that Owings hadn’t played the position in a game professionally and didn’t have any Spring Training time to prepare before A.J. Pollock’s elbow injury and subsequent surgery forced the position change.

“You don’t see something like this very often,” Hale said. “It does show the importance, though, of having good athletes on the team. [Owings] can fly, and he’s one of our best basestealers. He’s one of those guys who could probably play anywhere.

“We watched him all last year go out and power …

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