New Routine Helps Diamondbacks’ JD Dix Feel Like His Best Self

“The last 10 games of (post-draft continuation camp), it was fantastic,” Dix said of the shoulder that had bothered him for years. “It was so comfortable and it was the first time I had a little swag back, a little confidence.”

Dix originally dislocated his shoulder diving back into first base in the summer of 2022. He wound up tearing his labrum in the process.

But because he didn’t want to miss time, Dix opted to play through the injury. That wound up raising questions for evaluators, who were not able to see him hit or throw at his best in his draft year.

Dix had surgery in October 2023, and not only was his shoulder still not 100% by the time the 2024 draft rolled around, it continued to feel off for his first several weeks at the post-draft camp. It was only after finding a strengthening routine with the D-backs’ training staff that Dix said he felt back to his old self.

“I was playing baseball and that was it,” he said. “I didn’t have to worry about anything else other than playing baseball, which is phenomenal. It’s definitely the most reassuring thing.”

Dix said his throws across the infield were in the 70 mph range for the previous couple of years. But by the end of camp, his throws were up to the mid 80s. He said he hopes to eventually get back into the low 90s.

Dix’s play at camp opened eyes. Strong and physical, the 6-foot-2 switch-hitter showed a knack for squaring balls up from both sides of the plate while also displaying smooth actions in the field.

“I really like him,” a rival scout said. “He looks like a really good baseball player, a big guy with good tools and a good swing.”