The Arizona Diamondbacks announced Tuesday that catcher Gabriel Moreno will be placed on the injured list due to a muscular issue in his back. Manager Torey Lovullo described the injury as serious enough to require a minimum of 10 days on the shelf but indicated the team expects a quick recovery.
Moreno left Monday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies after playing just two innings. Initially labeled as day-to-day with lower back tightness, the situation escalated when he underwent an MRI on Tuesday. Lovullo confirmed the diagnosis is more concerning than first believed but remains optimistic about a short-term absence.
The 26-year-old has been a cornerstone behind the plate for Arizona since the team acquired him in a December 2022 trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. That deal sent Daulton Varsho to Toronto in exchange for the defensively elite Moreno. Since his arrival, Moreno has been a defensive standout, tallying 32 Defensive Runs Saved from 2023 to 2026. In 2023 alone, he posted 20 DRS, the most in the majors that season.
Offensively, Moreno has been a consistent contributor, posting a 102 wRC+ or better in each season since 2023. This year, he has continued that trend with a 107 wRC+ in 45 plate appearances. His combination of defensive prowess and offensive production has made him one of the most valuable catchers in baseball.
With Moreno sidelined, the Diamondbacks will turn to James McCann and Adrian Del Castillo for catching duties. McCann, a 13-season veteran, was 10% better than average offensively last year by wRC+ but is off to a rough start in 2026, with six strikeouts in 18 plate appearances. Del Castillo, 26, has a 106 wRC+ in 230 plate appearances from 2024 to 2026 and offers left-handed power.
The two catchers could be used in a platoon, with McCann likely to see more action against southpaws. Their defensive capabilities and opposite-handed platoon advantage make them viable short-term options while Moreno recovers.
The Diamondbacks will continue their road series against the Phillies on Wednesday. Moreno is eligible to return after 10 days, meaning he could be back as early as next week.
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