Diamondbacks announce yet another setback for former Blue Jays top prospect, headed for imaging
Photo credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Blue Jays top catching prospect Gabriel Moreno just can seem to stay healthy for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Gabriel Moreno was traded by the Blue Jays four years ago, and despite flashes of elite ability since joining Arizona, staying on the field has been his biggest challenge.
According to Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports, the Diamondbacks scratched Moreno from Friday's Spring Training game against the Kansas City Royals.
Manager Torey Lovullo said the Gold Glove catcher is dealing with tightness in his forearm and will undergo imaging as a precaution.
Lovullo minimized the severity of the issue, explaining that Moreno only feels slight discomfort when throwing.
The MRI is largely precautionary, but the Diamondbacks will keep a close eye on the situation.
D-backs catcher Gabriel Moreno was scratched tonight with right forearm tightness. He is undergoing imaging tonight. Pavin Smith was also scratched for left forearm tightness. He's expected to be down a couple days.
Moreno has dealt with several injuries in recent seasons
In 2023, he missed time due to a left shoulder problem. The following year, he battled both thumb and adductor strains.
Last season, he was sidelined for two months after a foul tip fractured his right index finger.
When healthy, Moreno has proven to be one of the more complete catchers in Major League Baseball.
He is coming off a strong offensive season in which he posted a .285/.353/.433 slash line.
Defensively, he remains a standout. Moreno is regarded as an excellent receiver with a strong throwing arm and has caught 30 percent of would-be base stealers during his career.
With Moreno sidelined Friday, non-roster invitee Aramis Garcia stepped into the starting lineup.
Garcia is expected to begin the season in Triple-A but could make the Opening Day roster if Moreno's forearm issue leads to a stint on the injured list.
Veteran James McCann is currently projected to serve as the team's backup catcher and would likely take over the primary role if Moreno misses time.
Meanwhile, Adrián Del Castillo, the only other catcher on the Diamondbacks' 40-man roster, has yet to play this spring due to a left calf strain and is expected to start the season on the 10-day injured list.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 14|68 ANSWERS Diamondbacks announce yet another setback for former Blue Jays top prospect, headed for imaging Do you think Gabriel Moreno will ever be able to play a full season without a stint on the injured list? | ||
| Yes | 19 | 27.9 % |
| No | 49 | 72.1 % |
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