The Arizona Diamondbacks had a bit of a scare on Sunday when their star right fielder, Corbin Carroll, exited the game against the Texas Rangers due to lower back tightness. However, the good news is that Carroll doesn’t expect to be sidelined for long. He reassured fans and the team that he should be back in action within just a few days.
A Minor Setback for Carroll
Carroll first started feeling discomfort right at the beginning of the game but tried to push through it, hoping the tightness would ease up as he continued playing. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. By the time the bottom of the third inning rolled around, it became clear that playing through the tightness wasn’t the best idea.
“It didn’t really get worse as the game went on, but I think the trainer could kind of see I was grinding through it and he was like, ‘Let’s get you out of there,’” Carroll said. “Pretty minimal concern; it’s just a tight back.”
While it’s always concerning when a key player has to leave a game due to an injury, Carroll’s confidence in a quick return is a relief for the Diamondbacks. He mentioned that there are no plans for an MRI, and his recovery plan is already in motion. The team has Monday’s treatment scheduled for him, and with Tuesday being a team off-day, he’s planning to rest. If everything goes according to plan, he hopes to pick up a bat again by Wednesday and potentially be back on the field as early as Thursday.
What Might Have Caused It?
Interestingly, Carroll isn’t entirely sure what triggered the tightness. First-base coach Dave McKay first noticed that something might be wrong when Carroll didn’t advance to second base on a fly ball to center field in the second inning. That’s when the concern started setting in.
Carroll speculated that his pre-game routine might have played a role. He had lifted weights earlier in the day before making the long drive from Salt River Fields to Surprise Stadium, which could have contributed to the discomfort.
Despite the minor setback, Carroll has been off to a scorching start in the Cactus League season. Through five games, he’s hitting an impressive .500 (6-for-12) with three home runs and two stolen bases. His hot start suggests he’s poised for another big year, assuming his back issue doesn’t linger.
Kendall Graveman’s Health Concerns
Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are also dealing with another potential setback in their bullpen. Right-hander Kendall Graveman was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Sunday after experiencing tightness in his back. This injury could impact his chances of being ready for Opening Day, which might open up another bullpen spot for someone else on the roster.
Manager Torey Lovullo referred to the injury as a “little setback” but acknowledged that it could complicate Graveman’s timeline for being fully prepared for the season opener. Given that Graveman was already a bit of a health concern heading into spring training, this new development only adds to the uncertainty surrounding his availability.
Graveman’s Comeback Journey
Graveman underwent surgery in January 2024 to repair a labrum tear in his right shoulder, forcing him to miss the entirety of last season. Despite that, he had been showing promising signs in recent mound sessions. He even touched 96 mph in a live batting practice session, which was a key factor in the Diamondbacks deciding to sign him just two weeks ago.
However, with his back tightness surfacing before he could even make his first Cactus League appearance, the team will need to evaluate whether he can recover in time to be a factor on Opening Day. His ability to bounce back from outings in March was always going to be a crucial test, and this latest setback could make that road a bit tougher.
Who Steps Up If Graveman Isn’t Ready?
If Graveman isn’t available for Opening Day, the Diamondbacks will have three bullpen spots up for grabs. As of now, five relievers are seen as locks for the roster: left-handers A.J. Puk and Joe Mantiply, along with right-handers Justin Martinez, Kevin Ginkel, and Ryan Thompson. That leaves room for some competition as the season approaches.
One possibility Lovullo mentioned is that one of the three available bullpen spots could go to a starting pitcher who doesn’t make the rotation. That means lefty Jordan Montgomery and right-handers Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson are all in the mix for that final rotation spot.
The good news for the Diamondbacks is that they have solid pitching depth. Lovullo believes that even if a starter shifts to the bullpen, they would still have enough rotation coverage to handle the long season. Having multiple viable options gives the team flexibility, which could be especially important if injuries like Graveman’s linger longer than expected.
Shelby Miller Set to Make His Debut
One of the pitchers competing for a role, right-hander Shelby Miller, is set to make his Cactus League debut on Monday. Miller is among those battling for a bullpen spot and could be a name to watch if Graveman’s injury leads to more openings in the relief corps.
The Diamondbacks are in a crucial stage of spring training, balancing early-season health concerns with roster decisions that will shape their Opening Day squad. While Carroll’s injury seems minor and unlikely to impact his availability for long, Graveman’s status remains uncertain. His progress over the next few weeks will be key in determining the final makeup of the team’s pitching staff.
Final Thoughts
Spring training is all about preparation, and minor injuries like these are part of the process. For Diamondbacks fans, Carroll’s confidence in returning quickly should be reassuring, especially given how well he has performed early on. Graveman’s situation, on the other hand, will require a closer watch as Opening Day approaches.
With bullpen spots up for grabs and the final rotation spot still in question, competition is heating up. The next few weeks will be critical for players on the bubble, and every inning pitched could make a difference in determining who starts the season in a Diamondbacks uniform.
One thing’s for sure: the Diamondbacks’ depth will be tested, and how they navigate these challenges could set the tone for the start of their season.
Login