Diamondbacks Hit with Mixed Injury Updates: Relief and Concern

The Arizona Diamondbacks have updates on pitchers Eduardo Rodriguez and Merrill Kelly, but they come at a time when catcher Gabriel Moreno has suffered a setback.

PHOENIX — Diamondbacks fans, there’s a mix of good and bad news. The focus, as it has been all season, is on player injuries.

First, the positive. Left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez will finally make his debut with the Diamondbacks on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians, shared manager Torey Lovullo.

Rodriguez, nicknamed “E-Rod,” signed a four-year, $80 million contract this offseason. He was expected to be the team’s No. 3 starter before a lat strain on March 22 delayed his debut.

After being on the injured list, Rodriguez is now set to make his first appearance this season.

In more good news, right-handed pitcher Merrill Kelly is also on the path to recovery. Kelly has been out since April 23 with a right shoulder strain but is scheduled for a rehab start with the High-A Hillsboro Hops on Tuesday.

BREAKING: Dbacks RHP Merrill Kelly will appear in Hillsboro on a rehab assignment on Tuesday, Aug. 6th. Kelly, a standout performer in the 2021 season and postseason, is making progress toward rejoining the team.

Kelly is expected to pitch four innings and make approximately 65 pitches in his rehab start, according to MLB.com. However, the exact timeline for his return to the Diamondbacks remains uncertain.

Now for the unfortunate news. Catcher Gabriel Moreno left Monday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians with a groin injury sustained while running to first base.

Manager Lovullo stated that Moreno will return to Arizona for further evaluation. The team expects Moreno to be placed on the injured list for an undisclosed period.

With Moreno injured, the Diamondbacks currently have only one active catcher, Jose Herrea, prompting an expected roster move.

Diamondbacks Injured List:

10-day/15-day injured list:

• RHP Bryce Jarvis (Right elbow strain)
• 1B Christian Walker (Left oblique strain)
• LHP Blake Walston (Left elbow strain)
• SS Jordan Lawlar (Left hamstring strain)

60-day injured list:

• RHP Merrill Kelly (Right shoulder strain)
• RHP Drey Jameson (Right elbow inflammation)
• LHP Kyle Nelson (Thoracic outlet surgery)

Phoenix is a hub for major professional sports with teams such as the Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Arizona Diamondbacks. State Farm Stadium hosts the Cardinals, while the Suns and Mercury play at the Footprint Center. The Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League compete at Desert Diamond Arena.

The city also boasts a soccer team, Phoenix Rising FC, which plays at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium. Major sporting events held in the Valley include the Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl, the WM Phoenix Open, NASCAR events, and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 MLB franchises annually.

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