Diamondbacks Face Injury Crisis as Season Progresses
PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to grapple with significant injury setbacks, compounding challenges in their quest for a playoff spot. Manager Torey Lovullo announced on Friday that reliever A.J. Puk requires season-ending elbow surgery. Adding to their woes, catcher Gabriel Moreno is dealing with a fractured finger, while pitching prospect Tommy Henry also needs Tommy John surgery.
Currently, six players on the 40-man roster are sidelined due to Tommy John-related issues, including Puk and Henry, alongside Justin Martinez, Corbin Burnes, Jordan Montgomery, and Blake Walston. The losses of key pitchers, particularly the ace Burnes and two closers, have severely impacted the team’s depth. While injuries generally affect clubs, this year has been particularly harsh, perhaps exacerbated by the heightened velocity and effort levels in today’s game.
Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen acknowledged the magnitude of the situation but emphasized that injuries cannot serve as an excuse for underperformance. " J-Mart and A.J. going down is not exactly what we envisioned," he stated, urging a focus on remaining competitive despite the challenges.
The Diamondbacks have hovered around the .500 mark, with an offense that ranks among MLB’s best. However, a volatile pitching staff, sporting an unsightly 4.85 ERA, has hindered their ability to secure victories. Lovullo pointed out the necessity of evaluating practices surrounding player health as injuries proliferate across the league.
As the franchise navigates the current pressures, their resilience will be tested. While the path ahead may be arduous, the Diamondbacks remain committed to pushing for a Wild Card spot as they confront one of the deepest injury crises in recent memory.
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