In a recent sit-down with MLB.com at Citizens Bank Park, D-backs shortstop Geraldo Perdomo answered a wide range of topics from the calls he received from Torey Lovullo after he landed on the injured list to trying to get a visa for his father, Geraldo Perdomo, Sr.

MLB.com: You missed two months of this season because of a torn meniscus in your right knee. During that period, how much did you miss the game of baseball?

Geraldo Perdomo: I missed it a lot, for sure. Baseball has been in my veins and in my heart since I had a memory. So being out for two months for the first time in my career, it was painful. I like to be on the field. I like to have fun with my teammates. I like to enjoy this beautiful sport. It was hard.

MLB.com: I know you had a rehab assignment, but when you couldn’t do anything, what did you do?

Perdomo: Most of the time, I was just watching the game on TV. I talked to [manager] Torey [Lovullo] literally almost every day on the phone before every game. He always called me. I think I was more bored at home. That’s the only thing I could do.

MLB.com: How close are you with Torey?

Perdomo: It’s like son and dad. At the beginning, he was hard [on me] because he would like to challenge me. He would like to prepare my mind in the big leagues. … I think that’s why we are very close.

MLB.com: Torey told us on Friday he was hard on you, at first.

Perdomo: It was hard on me in the beginning. I didn’t understand. I didn’t know what he was trying to do, at first. But I realized he tried to prepare me as a leader. That’s why I accept that role. If something happens in the infield, he goes straight to me and he would blame it on me all the time. For me, I’m OK with that. That’s how we are building our relationship.

MLB.com: What’s the best advice he ever gave you?

Perdomo: He has been giving me a lot of advice. One of the best [pieces of advice] I received from Torey was, “I need to prepare for every game no matter what.” I need to play from the bottom of my heart. That’s why I treat him like he is my family.

MLB.com: I understand that bench coach Jeff Banister means a lot to you.

Perdomo: Bany is the best. Since he came here, I see him and Torey like my parents. They always want the best for me. They take care of me. They like to know what I’m doing on and off the field. If I need something from those guys, they are always there. … I know this is business. If I don’t perform, you are going to be out, but they treat me like family. All the coaches, I have a great relationship with them.

MLB.com: Since you came back from IL, Torey said you are the leader of the defense. When you hear that, how does that make you feel?

Perdomo: He knows how hard I work. As far as my work ethic, he knows I’m always focused on what I’m doing. Defense is my strength. … I feel like I’m the heart of the team. Obviously, we have great players here. [Ketel] Marte is the best player. Corbin [Carroll] is the best player. We have a lot of good players here. Outside of that, I feel I’m the heart of the team. I’m the guy that brings the energy to everyone. For us, that is the most important. I don’t care if [I] have a bad day at home. When I get [to the ballpark], I clear my mind and I just say, “Come on Perdomo.” … I have to put a smile on my face. That’s why I’m the big cheerleader here.

MLB.com: Your offense has been consistent since you have been back. What’s working?

Perdomo: One guy I have to give all the credit to every time, because he knows how to talk to me and gives the little details ... is Ken Crenshaw [D-backs director of sports medicine and performance]. That’s the guy I worked with every single time when I was in rehab.

MLB.com: What did he say to you?

Perdomo: When I went back to hitting [after the injury], we just found a couple of details in my hands. Most of the time, mentally, too. I have to give credit to him.

MLB.com: You have adjusted to the United States very well.

Perdomo: I have to. If you want to learn and play at this level, I have to respect this language [English] that I’m doing right now. I started learning when I was in my first year [at the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League]. It wasn’t good, but I just tried my best. All the American guys just laughed at me. But I never gave up. I kept learning and learning. I kept learning because of two of my teammates. They were Black. They always told me, don’t care if everybody laughs at you. Just throw it out. That’s how I learned to speak this language.

MLB.com: Who were those Black guys who said, be who you are?

Perdomo: Keshawn Lynch and Tra Holmes. We worked together for two to three years. Also, Wesley Rodriguez. He is Dominican but was from New York. He knew the language really well.

MLB.com: Since you have been activated from the IL, baseball experts believe the D-backs can go back to the postseason. How good is this team and how far can you go?

Perdomo: The goal is to go to the playoffs. I feel we have done a great job so far even though we don’t have our starting center fielder [Alek Thomas] and three of our best pitchers [Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez]. I hope Gallen, Merrill and E-Rod get back soon. The rotation is going to be scary [once they get back]. They are going to give us more opportunities to win more games.

MLB.com: I want to talk about your dad. You talk about Torey and Bannister like they are your fathers. How does Geraldo Perdomo Sr. treat you?

Perdomo: The best. He doesn’t have a visa. I’m waiting, begging that he gets a visa. I want him to see me play.

MLB.com: He has never seen you play?

Perdomo: Never in the United States. He is the best. He worked so hard for us. He put food on the table. I plan to take care of him.

MLB.com: What’s the biggest thing he taught you?

Perdomo: Believe in God. Sometimes I have to accept failure. Sometimes, it’s hard. That how [my dad] has been with me. … [Assistant hitting coach] Damion Easley – that is his No. 1 goal with me. Even when you are struggling, just accept it. It’s not your moment. Don’t let it carry over.

MLB.com: When was the last time you talked to your dad?

Perdomo: It was two days ago. We talked about going to the embassy again to get the visa and other stuff.