Willie Bloomquist (oblique) had a setback in extended spring training recently.

Bloomquist had been slated to return in late May, but apparently that won't happen now. The utilityman has been out all season with a strained oblique.

Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers said Monday that he expects Willie Bloomquist (oblique) back in late May.

Bloomquist's oblique strain must be a severe one, as he's been out all season. He began playing in extended spring training games late last month, but evidently he's not ready for a rehab assignment yet.

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."

Willie Bloomquist (lower back) is "still not problem-free" and remains without a timetable.

Bloomquist was activated from the disabled list last week but has yet to appear in a game, and his return isn't considered imminent. The veteran utilityman won't play this weekend and will be reevaluated early next week.

Willie Bloomquist received a series of injections in his lower back Tuesday.

Bloomquist said Saturday that he had yet to feel a difference. "It usually takes a little while for it to start working," Bloomquist said. "I'm trying to be patient and letting the medicine work, but nothing has really happened too much at this point. I'm just taking it day by day and see what happens." The veteran utilityman won't play this weekend and will be re-evaluated early this week.

Willie Bloomquist is headed back to Arizona to receive an injection for his ailing back.

The D'Backs activated Bloomquist from the DL over the weekend even though they knew he still wasn't 100 percent. The utility player is hoping he feels good enough to rejoin the team Friday, but it's not a given.

Diamondbacks activated SS Willie Bloomquist from the 15-day disabled list.

Bloomquist is returning from a back injury despite not being 100 percent. Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers said he doesn't think Bloomquist is ready to play a full, nine-inning game, but expects him to be available in pinch-hit situations.

Willie Bloomquist (back) isn't expected back on August 24 when first eligible.

Bloomquist is currently rehabbing at the team's spring training complex and it's not clear when he might be ready to ramp up his activity. "We've had him doing minimal activity," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. "When we had him in a game the last time, he didn't respond very well. I was surprised by that."

Diamondbacks placed SS Willie Bloomquist on the 15-day disabled list with back stiffness.

Willie Bloomquist underwent an MRI on his back Friday which showed no structural damage.

Bloomquist thought he was over his recent back problems, but he was scratched from Thursday's lineup after it stiffened up on him again. He's still looking for answers. "Very, very, very frustrating," said Bloomquist. Stephen Drew is starting at shortstop again Friday.

Willie Bloomquist is out of the lineup Thursday due to back stiffness.

Bloomquist's back has been an issue for a couple of weeks now. His status will likely be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. Stephen Drew is starting at shortstop on Thursday.