Max Scherzer has pitched in five games for the Sidewinders since being activated from the disabled list July 19.

JAMES GREGG / arizona daily star

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His fastball velocity has returned to the high 90s, his slider and change-up are improving, and his desire to return to the big leagues remains strong.

"I wish it was tomorrow," Tucson Sidewinders right-hander Max Scherzer said about his prospects of rejoining the Arizona Diamondbacks. "Anything I can do to help that team win. I'll do anything for them, any role."

After inflammation in his right shoulder sidelined him for a month, Scherzer has looked strong in throwing seven scoreless innings in his last two Triple-A outings. He has struck out 13 and has issued three walks while topping out at 98 mph on radar guns.

The D-backs' former first-round draft pick will start against Tacoma on Monday at Tucson Electric Park.

Scherzer's delivery has looked sound and consistent, pitching coach Mike Parrott said. But Parrott added he wants to see Scherzer locate his change-up and slider more consistently.

"His fastball is coming out of his hand as freely and as easily as it ever has," Parrott said.

Scherzer allowed three earned runs, struck out three and walked six in 4 1/3 innings in his first three outings, one start and two in relief, since coming off the DL on July 19.

"You take a month off throwing, you're not going to be the same person," he said. "It was just getting back into game reps to get the feel back (of pitches).

"Once I got more and more reps in the game, the more I got comfortable and the more I was able to throw strikes."

D-backs right fielder Justin Upton might begin a rehab stint early next week, and Tucson, Double-A and Single-A are all options, D-backs farm director A.J. Hinch said.

Upton, who has been out since July 9 with an oblique strain, will continue taking batting practice with the D-backs through Sunday before possibly beginning his assignment. Interestingly, he has never played in Triple-A; he skipped the level when he made the jump to the big leagues last year.

Doug Slaten — the lone left-hander in the D-backs bullpen — will pitch an inning of relief today for his third and possibly final rehab outing with the Sidewinders. He allowed three runs in 1 2/3 innings in his other outings. His command has improved with each appearance.

"They're hoping three outings will get him back," Parrott said. "He was a little better the last time. If he keeps making progress like that he should be fine."

With shortstop Jesus Merchan (swollen eye) and infielder Matt Morgan (back) sidelined, manager Bill Plummer had nine position players available Friday with pitcher Evan MacLane available as a backup. Tucson and Tacoma used designated hitters.

Merchan's right eye is swollen almost shut after he fouled a ball of his face. He might be available to play as early as Monday, Plummer said. Morgan will undergo an MRI on Monday.