Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo had some promising injury updates for two key players, catcher Gabriel Moreno and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., before Tuesday’s series opener against the Texas Rangers at Chase Field. Fans have been eagerly awaiting news on their return, and while the road to recovery isn’t over just yet, there are some exciting signs that both players might be back sooner rather than later.
Moreno's Recovery Progress: Stepping Up the Pace
Gabriel Moreno, who’s been on the injured list since August 6 due to a strained left adductor, is making solid progress. He’s already running arcs and turns at about 80% speed. That’s no small feat, considering that adductor injuries can be notoriously tricky, often sidelining players for extended periods. The fact that he’s ramping up his workouts is a very encouraging sign for both the team and the fans.
The plan is for Moreno to hit off a Trajekt pitching robot and catch a bullpen session at Chase Field on Wednesday. This innovative machine is a cutting-edge tool that helps simulate real pitcher movements, offering batters the closest thing to actual game-like conditions. This is a significant step in his recovery and an indicator that he’s getting closer to rejoining the lineup.
Gurriel’s Path to Recovery: Eyeing a Return
Outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who has been on the injured list since September 3 with a left calf injury, is also progressing well. Like Moreno, he’s scheduled to hit off the Trajekt pitching robot on Wednesday. For Gurriel, this marks a crucial step forward, and the plan is for him to begin running on Thursday.
Lovullo expressed optimism about both players, saying, "Those are the formal plans. I feel strongly that we’re going to get to those. Both very good signs for their hopeful return a lot sooner than later.” However, despite the positive progress, Gurriel is not expected to be ready to come off the IL by Friday, the first day he’s eligible. Still, the signs point to a return in the near future, which could provide a much-needed boost for the Diamondbacks as they head into the final stretch of the season.
Ketel Marte Back in Action
In other good news for the D-backs, Ketel Marte returned to the lineup at second base on Tuesday. This was the first time he played in the field since coming off the injured list last Friday. Marte's return adds another layer of depth and talent to the team’s lineup, as he’s been a crucial part of the team's success throughout the season.
Pavin Smith’s Electrifying Performance: A Night to Remember
Perhaps one of the most exciting moments in recent Diamondbacks history came from Pavin Smith, who’s still riding the high after his phenomenal performance against the Houston Astros on Sunday night. In a game broadcast nationally, Smith smashed not one, not two, but three home runs in what will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of his career.
Smith reflected on his big night, saying, “It definitely feels like a once-in-a-lifetime kind of game and something that I’ll remember forever.” And how could he forget? The 27-year-old first baseman had never had a multi-homer game in his big-league career before, but on that magical Sunday night, he hit a three-run homer in the second inning, a grand slam in the third, and a solo shot in the fifth inning.
What makes this feat even more impressive is that the first two homers were off none other than Astros ace Justin Verlander, a surefire Hall of Famer. “Getting that second one was pretty cool,” Smith said with a grin. “Then when the third one happened, it was crazy. I knew I had two more at-bats to try to hit a fourth one, and obviously, I didn’t get it done. I definitely tried.”
Smith struck out in the seventh inning and walked in the ninth, but that didn’t take away from the sheer brilliance of his performance. In fact, Smith shared a lighthearted moment from the game: “I was talking to their first base coach,” he said. “I said, ‘You guys really had to bring in (lefty reliever Josh) Hader in the ninth inning down seven? You don’t want me to hit a fourth home run that bad?’”
It’s the kind of game that players dream about, and for Smith, it’s a memory that will last a lifetime. Performances like this not only energize a player but can also electrify the entire clubhouse, providing a much-needed spark as the D-backs chase a postseason berth.
Upcoming Matchups: Rangers at Diamondbacks
Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks will be facing off against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday at 12:40 p.m., with the game airing on Cox, Ch. 34. It’s going to be a solid pitching matchup with Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly (4-0, 4.08 ERA) taking the mound against Rangers lefty Cody Bradford (5-2, 3.05 ERA).
Kelly is coming off his best start since returning from the injured list last month. In his last outing, he gave up just two runs over seven innings in a win against the San Francisco Giants. Prior to that game, Kelly had struggled a bit, posting a 6.75 ERA in four starts, but it seems like he’s back on track. The D-backs will hope Kelly can continue his strong form as he faces a Rangers team that he dominated last year in Game 2 of the World Series. In that game, Kelly allowed just one run over seven innings, striking out nine and walking none—a performance that’s still fresh in the minds of D-backs fans.
Bradford, on the other hand, is in his second season in the majors and has been on fire lately. He gave up just one run over six innings in his most recent start against the Angels and has posted a stellar 2.43 ERA over his last six outings. Over that span, he’s struck out 32 batters in 37 innings while allowing just six walks. Bradford’s mix of a four-seam fastball, change-up, curveball, and slider has been particularly effective, with his change-up generating whiffs on 35.5% of swings.
What’s Coming Up for the Diamondbacks?
After Wednesday’s game, the Diamondbacks will have a day off on Thursday before diving back into action at Chase Field against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. Here’s a quick look at the pitching matchups for the weekend:
- Friday, 6:40 p.m.: Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (9-8, 4.42 ERA) vs. Brewers RHP Tobias Myers (7-5, 2.93 ERA).
- Saturday, 5:10 p.m.: Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (2-2, 5.83 ERA) vs. Brewers RHP Freddy Peralta (10-8, 3.81 ERA).
- Sunday, 1:10 p.m.: Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (10-6, 4.33 ERA) vs. Brewers RHP Aaron Civale (5-8, 4.62 ERA).
These games will be critical as the D-backs continue their push for a playoff spot. With key players like Moreno and Gurriel potentially returning soon and others like Smith and Marte stepping up, the team is building momentum at just the right time.
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