Gabriel Moreno Scratched with Forearm Tightness; D-backs Order Imaging

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno was pulled from Friday's lineup against the Royals to undergo imaging for right forearm tightness.

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno was removed from the starting lineup on Friday, March 8, prior to a Cactus League game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. The 24-year-old backstop experienced right forearm tightness, a condition manager Torey Lovullo noted had been lingering for several days. To assess the structural integrity of the limb, the organization scheduled immediate medical imaging for Friday evening. This diagnostic step aims to clarify the timeline for the 2023 Gold Glove recipient, who is expected to anchor the pitching staff during the upcoming 2024 regular season.

Simultaneously, the Diamondbacks medical staff addressed a second health concern involving infielder Pavin Smith. The 28-year-old was also scratched from the Friday afternoon contest due to left forearm tightness. Unlike the Gabriel Moreno injury protocol, Smith was not immediately sent for an MRI or X-rays, as his discomfort was deemed less acute by the training personnel. Smith, a former first-round pick, is competing for a versatile role involving first base and designated hitter duties after appearing in 69 games during the previous calendar year.

Moreno’s statistical contributions in 2023 were pivotal to Arizona’s World Series run, as he slashed .284/.339/.408 across 111 regular-season games. He recorded 97 hits, including 19 doubles and seven home runs, while driving in 50 runs. Defensively, the Venezuelan native led all Major League catchers with a 39% caught-stealing rate, erasing 22 of 57 attempted basestealers. His absence from the spring rotation forces the coaching staff to increase the workload for backup options Tucker Barnhart and Jose Herrera as the team nears its March 28 opener against the Colorado Rockies.

Pavin Smith’s offensive output in 2023 included a .188 batting average with seven home runs and 30 RBIs over 228 plate appearances. His ability to draw walks resulted in a .317 on-base percentage, providing a specific utility in high-leverage pinch-hitting scenarios. The dual forearm issues in the clubhouse have prompted Lovullo to scrutinize the club's training volume. While Smith’s status remains day-to-day, the severity of the Gabriel Moreno injury will dictate whether the Diamondbacks must explore the external trade market or rely on internal non-roster invitees to fill the void behind the plate.

During the 2023 postseason, Moreno further solidified his value by hitting four home runs and tallying 12 RBIs in 17 games. He logged a .238 average during that stretch, including a memorable go-ahead home run in the Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The current medical evaluation in Arizona focuses on ensuring these power numbers are not compromised by chronic muscle strain. Lovullo emphasized that the decision to scratch both players was a precautionary measure to prevent long-term inflammation that could sideline them for the start of the 162-game schedule. Results from the imaging sessions are expected to be reviewed by team physicians on Saturday morning.