Diamondbacks Place Gabriel Moreno on Injured List
The Arizona Diamondbacks have announced that catcher Gabriel Moreno will be placed on the injured list due to a muscular issue in his back. This decision was confirmed by manager Torey Lovullo. The team does not anticipate a lengthy absence for the player.
Details on Moreno’s Injury
Earlier today, Moreno underwent an MRI after he exited yesterday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies early on. Initially described as day-to-day with lower back tightness, Moreno had downplayed the injury’s severity. However, the results from the MRI indicated a more serious condition, resulting in a minimum 10-day absence from play.
Moreno’s Impact on the Diamondbacks
Gabriel Moreno, just 26 years old, has been a vital player for the Diamondbacks since he was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays in December 2022. In this trade, Arizona sent strong defender Daulton Varsho to Toronto. Moreno has quickly established himself as a reliable catcher, demonstrating exceptional defensive skills.
- Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) from 2023-2026: 32
- DRS in 2023: 20
- Statcast percentile for caught stealing: 61st
- Blocking, pop time, and framing percentiles: 80th or better
- WRC+ since 2023: 102 or higher
- WRC+ start in 2026: 107 in 45 plate appearances
Short-Term Catcher Options
With Moreno on the injured list, the Diamondbacks will rely on James McCann and Adrian Del Castillo to fill in behind the plate. McCann, a seasoned veteran with 13 years in the league, showed a 10% offensive improvement last season, although he is struggling in 2026 with six strikeouts in 18 plate appearances.
Del Castillo, 26, has a career WRC+ of 106 over 230 plate appearances, with most of his contributions coming from a limited sample in 2024. Both catchers are competent defensively and provide diversity in batting, as Del Castillo is a left-handed hitter. The team may utilize a platoon strategy between the two until Moreno returns, with McCann likely to start against left-handed pitchers.
The Diamondbacks remain optimistic about Moreno’s recovery and his potential quick return to the lineup.
