PHOENIX – Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo did not provide a specific timetable for injured catcher Gabriel Moreno on Thursday, but it is clear that Moreno will be out for “weeks.”
Moreno strained his left groin while running to first base on Monday in Cleveland and landed on the 10-day injured list. Lovullo said he did not yet know the severity of the strain.
“He’s gotten some pictures, we’re just trying to figure out exactly what’s going on,” Lovullo said. “We’re getting some second opinions. … It’s going to take more than 10 days. We’re talking several weeks.”
Lovullo said he expects Moreno to be back before the end of the season, noting he has received positive responses from the medical staff on that question.
The Diamondbacks will fill Moreno’s spot in the meantime with reliever Jose Herrera and young talent Adrian Del Castillo. On Thursday, they also signed experienced catcher Andrew Knizner from the Texas Rangers to provide more reserve.
“I’m always worried about making a move at a top position … but we have a very reliable replacement in Jose Herrera who knows our strategies and game plan as well as anyone,” Lovullo said. “I feel comfortable there. It’s always exciting for me when I see someone like Del Castillo in that environment. He’s done a great job and made a name for himself in Reno this year.”
Del Castillo made his MLB debut on Wednesday.
Torey Lovullo says D-backs catcher Gabi Moreno, who injured his left groin during Monday’s game, will likely be on the injured list for several weeks. pic.twitter.com/GbayJTJ6jv
— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) 9 August 2024
Will Merrill Kelly start on Sunday?
Kelly threw 62 pitches in four innings for High-A Hillsboro on Tuesday and will pitch in the bullpen on Friday at Chase Field.
The D-backs have a big “TBA” on their list of probable weekend bets for Sunday’s game against the Phillies.
“The reports have been really good,” Lovullo said. “His next outing will be somewhere in the 75-80 pitch range…You can read between the lines. You get to a certain pitch count — I told you, if it goes beyond three innings, it gets serious — we like it to get in the 80 pitch range.”
“So, stay tuned.”
Kelly has been on the injured list since April 20.
Latest news on Christian Walker’s injury
Lovullo said Walker has started hitting some “light, dry hits” but has yet to become symptom-free. He could pick up a bat again next week. Walker went on the injured list on July 30 with a strained left oblique muscle.
“The obliques are difficult, especially in this sport,” said Deputy General Manager Mike Fitzgerald Wolf & Luke by Arizona Sports“We want him back to 100%, I think that’s the mentality here. Fortunately, what Josh (Bell) has done for the club takes a little pressure off (Walker) so he feels he has to come back quickly in this case.”
Bell has hit four home runs in six games while holding down the fort since joining the team at the deadline.
Yilber Diaz lands on IL
D-backs pitching talent Yilber Diaz has a blister and the Triple-A Reno Aces placed him on the seven-day injured list. Lovullo said it wasn’t too bad, but blisters can be annoying for pitchers and they wanted to let them heal first.
Diaz is the club’s new pitcher after Eduardo Rodriguez returned on Wednesday.
