Injuries & Moves: Gurriel makes progress toward return
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Sept. 16: RHP Scott McGough recalled from Triple-A Reno; C Adrian Del Castillo optioned to Triple-A Reno
The D-backs brought up McGough to bolster the bullpen while sending Del Castillo down after reinstating fellow backstop Gabriel Moreno from the injured list. Moreno, who was sidelined with a left adductor strain, made a pinch-hitting appearance in Sunday’s win over the Brewers before being inserted into the starting lineup for the series opener against the Rockies on Monday.
McGough has a 6.83 ERA over 23 appearances (two starts) for Arizona this season. In 33 relief appearances for Triple-A Reno, he posted a 3.22 ERA.
Del Castillo hit .313/.368/.525 with four home runs over 87 plate appearances since making his MLB debut on Aug. 7.
“[It was] a hard conversation, because [Del Castillo] has been so impactful for us; he helped us win baseball games,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “[We told him] not to try to do too much offensively, continue to learn about pitch sequencing and what stuff looks like. But mostly from a defensive standpoint, we challenged him to keep growing.”
Sept. 15: C Gabriel Moreno activated; RHP Paul Sewald (left neck discomfort) placed on 15-day IL (retroactive to Sept. 12)
Moreno was expected to be activated after he caught five innings Saturday in a camp game at the team’s Spring Training facility. Sewald, who was removed from the closer role last month, has struggled to find the form he had when he came over from the Mariners at the Trade Deadline last year.
Sept. 15: LHP Blake Walston recalled from Triple-A Reno; RHP Dylan Floro designated for assignment
The D-backs need some coverage in the bullpen after a taxing defeat on Saturday, so Walston will be available to provide length. Yilber Diaz, who was the long man in the bullpen, had to pitch four innings Saturday night, meaning he’ll likely be unavailable for a few days.
After dominating in relief for the Nationals earlier this season, Floro struggled after coming to Arizona at the Trade Deadline.
10-day/15-day injured list
OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (left calf strain)
Expected return: Week of Sept. 16
Gurriel, who exited the D-backs' game on Sept. 1 with tightness in his left calf, had four live at-bats at the team's continuation camp at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on Sept. 17.
“He came out of that good,” manager Torey Lovullo said before the middle game of the series in Denver. “He did some real aggressive baserunning and some outfield work. Tomorrow he will play an official continuation game. Today was more live at-bats.”
Gurriel landed on the 10-day IL (retroactive to Sept. 2) after imaging revealed a strain. Both Gurriel and Lovullo said the injury is not considered serious, with the hope that Gurriel can return after missing minimal time. Lovullo previously said that he was “hopeful” that Gurriel could return sometime during the club’s current road trip, which continues with four games in Milwaukee starting Sept. 19. (Last updated: Sept. 17)
RHP Paul Sewald (left neck discomfort)
Expected return: TBD
Sewald was placed on the IL retroactive to Sept. 12, which would mean the first day he could be activated would be Sept. 27. Sewald opened the year on the IL with an oblique injury and didn't make his regular season debut until May 7. He converted his first 11 save chances before hitting a rough patch that resulted in him losing the closer’s role at the end of July.
“Paul’s got a disk problem in his neck,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “It’s causing some problems with his left side, his left shoulder, so he can’t go out there at full strength and compete. We made the decision, along with his input, to just step away and heal up and get strong.” (Last updated: Sept. 16)
RHP Ryne Nelson (right shoulder inflammation)
Expected return: Around Sept. 26
Nelson experienced some shoulder discomfort during a throwing session on Sept. 14 and was placed on the IL retroactive to Sept. 11. The team is hopeful that Nelson will be ready to return when his stint is up, which would allow him to be a part of the postseason rotation. (Last updated: Sept. 14)
60-day IL
RHP Bryce Jarvis (right elbow sprain)
Expected return: 2025
Jarvis, who has been a key contributor out of the bullpen this year, was diagnosed with an elbow sprain, per manager Torey Lovullo. He was placed on the IL on Aug. 2 (retroactive to July 31) before being transferred to the 60-day IL on Aug. 6, which officially ended his season. (Last updated: Aug. 6)
RHP Drey Jameson (right elbow inflammation)
Expected return: 2025
Jameson underwent Tommy John surgery last September and per manager Torey Lovullo he is expected to miss the entire 2024 season. Jameson has begun a throwing program and is expected to return sometime next year. (Last updated: July 11)
LHP Kyle Nelson (thoracic outlet surgery)
Expected return: 2025 Spring Training
Nelson underwent thoracic outlet surgery on May 6. The surgery was performed by Dr. Gregory Pearl, the same doctor who performed a similar procedure on Merrill Kelly in 2020. Nelson is expected to miss the rest of the season. (Last updated: May 7)