Injuries & Moves: Walker (oblique strain) heads to IL
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July 30: 1B Christian Walker placed on 10-day IL; 1B/OF Pavin Smith recalled from Triple-A Reno
Walker, who exited Monday's game against the Nats after three innings, was diagnosed with a low-grade left oblique strain that he hopes will only keep him out for around three weeks. Until newly acquired Josh Bell is able to join the team, Smith gives the D-backs coverage at first base.
July 30: 1B/DH Josh Bell acquired from the Marlins in exchange for cash considerations; RHP Dylan Floro acquired from the Nationals in exchange for Minor League 3B Andres Chaparro
The D-backs added another arm to their bullpen in Floro after previously acquiring lefty A.J. Puk from the Marlins. Bell gives the D-backs some coverage with Christian Walker having to go on the IL with a left oblique strain. More >>>
10-day/15-day injured list
1B Christian Walker (left oblique strain)
Expected return: Late August
Walker injured his left oblique on July 29 against the Nationals. An MRI exam taken the next day showed a low-grade strain in his left oblique. Walker said he hopes he only has to miss around three weeks. (Last updated: July 30)
LHP Blake Walston (left elbow strain)
Expected return: TBD
Walston is undergoing a throwing program, and has been throwing bullpens and live batting practice sessions.
After his June 4 start against the Giants, Walston informed the team that he had been experiencing some discomfort in his elbow. A subsequent MRI exam showed inflammation. (Last updated: July 26)
SS Jordan Lawlar (left hamstring strain; No. 1 on D-backs Top 30 Prospect list)
Expected return: Late August/early September
Two games into a rehab assignment in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League, Lawlar reinjured his left hamstring and is expected to miss six to eight weeks, D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said on July 10. The club's top prospect initially injured his left hamstring while legging out a triple in the ninth inning of Triple-A Reno's June 15 game. Lawlar had an MRI exam on June 17 that showed a Grade 1 strain.
The 2021 first-rounder also landed on the IL earlier this year after opening the 2024 campaign with a thumb injury. He played his first Minor League game of the season on May 29. (Last updated: July 10)
60-day IL
RHP Merrill Kelly (right shoulder strain)
Expected return: Early August
Kelly felt something grab in his shoulder while playing catch in the outfield at Oracle Park on April 20 and landed on the IL on April 23. He threw a two-inning simulated game on July 25 and a bullpen on July 28. Kelly was slated to throw a simulated game on July 31 of three innings and 50 pitches. (Last updated: July 29)
LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (left lat strain)
Expected return: Early August
Rodriguez, who was injured on March 19 in a Cactus League game, underwent another MRI on July 6, which showed that his lat has healed. The team had been taking things very slowly since Rodriguez had a setback early in his rehab. His initial throwing program was paused after he experienced some discomfort in the left lat following an April 9 bullpen, and he was moved to the 60-day IL on April 17.
Rodriguez threw a two-inning simulated game on July 26 and a bullpen on July 28. He was slated to throw a simulated game on July 31 of four innings and 65 pitches. (Last updated: July 29)
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 began throwing off a mound for the first time on July 5, and was expected to throw a bullpen session on July 12. (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)