D-Backs Scratch Catcher Gabriel Moreno During tonight’s spring training game against the Royals, manager Tory Lovullo spoke to reporters (including Arizona Sports’ Alex Weiner). Gold Glover deals with tightness in his forearm and heads for imaging.
Lovullo largely downplayed the concerns, noting that it was only a minor issue when Moreno threw. The MRI appears to be precautionary, but it’s a situation the D-Backs will be monitoring closely. Moreno has been injured the past few seasons. He missed 2023 with a left shoulder issue, suffered thumb and adductor sprains in 2024 and missed two months last season when he broke his right index finger on a foul tip.
When healthy, Moreno is one of the best two-way catchers in MLB. He is hitting .285/.353/.433 at the plate. He is a great all-around defender and a quality receiver with a plus arm who has made 30 percent of his steals in his career.
Invitees not on the list Aramis Garcia Made the starting lineup tonight. He’s scheduled to start the season in Triple-A, but Moreno’s forearm soreness will likely force him to break camp if he ends up on the disabled list. James McCann It’s currently set up in a backup role and will eventually become the primary option behind cooking. Adrian del Castillothe only catcher on the 40-man roster, has not played this spring due to a left calf injury. He will begin the season on the 10-day injured list.
Elsewhere in camp, photos of Arizona’s outfield are in focus. Corbin Carroll He returned to the lineup as designated hitter on Wednesday. He was a month out with a hamate bone fracture in his right hand that required surgery. Carroll has remained optimistic that he will be ready for Opening Day and is moving in that direction. Although he still has to clear the hurdle of returning to the outfield, he is expected to be used as a right fielder in the season opener.
Jordan Laura He had a great camp as he worked to establish himself in center field. The former top prospect has a batting average of .323 and four home runs in 37 plate appearances. Laula, who had never played in the outfield before the Dominican Winter League offseason, logged 66 innings in 10 games in center field this spring.
Lovullo praised the 23-year-old’s early work under center (link to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert). He’s also expected to get some work in the corner outfield, so they’ll likely move him later in camp. Lovullo said the Snakes still view Lawlar as an emergency option at shortstop, but added that his infield defense was a major issue last year. Acquisition of D-Backs Nolan Arenado join Geraldo Perdomo This means Lawlar is most valuable to the team as an outfielder.
The bat should ensure he makes the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career, most likely as a center fielder. Alec Thomas Probably play left until Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Recovered from an ACL tear last season. left wing prospect Ryan Waldschmidt He’s had outside opportunities to break camp, but he’s batted just .257 with 11 strikeouts and two walks in 37 at-bats this spring. Waldschmidt is expected to start the season at Triple-A Reno.
In terms of pitching meryl kelly Tonight will be his exhibition debut. He was bothered by back pain early in camp. The injury derailed any plans for Kelly to start the season opener, but it’s unclear if he will start the season on the injured list. The Snakes could move him to the back of the rotation and hope he’s ready to make his shortened regular season debut in the first week of April. jack gallen Instead, he recorded his fourth consecutive Opening Day start.
corbin burns He’s a real ace, but he’s still months away from returning to the game. The Cy Young Award winner has reached a notable milestone in his rehabilitation after undergoing Tommy John surgery last June. Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports that Burnes threw a 15-pitch bullpen session on Friday, his first mound work since surgery. The four-time All-Star was encouraged by the outing, noting that he commanded the ball as hoped and got his fastball up to 91 mph (higher than expected for his first bullpen session).
