Injuries & Moves: Saalfrank selected; Cecconi optioned
LATEST NEWS
Sept. 4: LHP Andrew Saalfrank selected from Triple-A Reno; OF Dominic Fletcher placed on 60-day IL; optioned RHP Slade Cecconi to Reno
Cecconi struggled in his last start, allowing six runs over 3 1/3 innings against the Orioles. Manager Torey Lovullo said the D-backs would like to see the right-hander be more consistent with his secondary stuff and be able to pitch deeper into games. Saalfrank had success this year at Double-A Amarillo as well as Reno. He will give Arizona another arm in the bullpen while the club decides what to do with Cecconi’s rotation spot, which will come up again Thursday. By placing Fletcher on the 60-day IL, the D-backs opened up a spot on the 40-man roster for Saalfrank.
Sept. 1: INF Emmanuel Rivera, INF/OF Pavin Smith, RHP Luis Frías recalled from Triple-A Reno; INF Buddy Kennedy optioned to Reno
With rosters expanding to 28, the D-backs added Smith and Frías. Smith gives them a true backup first baseman should Christian Walker require an off-day and Smith’s ability to play the outfield gives them some flexibility. Frías was pitching well, so he got the nod to bolster the bullpen. Kennedy was not swinging the bat well while Rivera was in Reno so the D-backs are going to try and ride the hot hand.
INJURY UPDATES
10-day and 15-day IL
None.
60-day IL
LHP Tommy Henry (left elbow inflammation)
Expected return: Likely done for season
Henry felt discomfort in his elbow during his July 28 start against the Mariners. Per manager Torey Lovullo, an MRI exam showed no structural damage. Henry’s recovery has not gone as fast as he or the team hoped, and as of Aug. 30, he had not yet begun a throwing program. Henry's move to the 60-day IL on Aug. 19 means he won’t be eligible to come off until the final week of the regular season. But Lovullo said even that seems unlikely at this point, and that he should be able to confirm whether the left-hander is done for the year in the coming days. (Last updated: Aug. 30)
RHP Drey Jameson (right elbow inflammation)
Expected return: Likely 2024
Jameson was diagnosed with a sprained UCL and elected to try to rehab the injury rather than undergo Tommy John surgery. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said Jameson is throwing out to 100 feet, and he could throw a bullpen session within the next week. Lovullo would not rule out a return this season for Jameson. (Last updated: Aug. 30)
RHP Corbin Martin (right lat tendon tear)
Expected return: Likely 2024
Martin, who threw a pitch in the fourth inning against the Brewers on March 15 and crumpled to the ground in pain, underwent surgery and is doubtful to return this season.
It’s the latest setback for Martin, who missed most of the 2019 season and all of ‘20 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He’s also been on the injured list each of the last two seasons. Manager Torey Lovullo said on Aug. 30 that the right-hander had begun a throwing program and was "feeling very good." At this point, the club's goal is to get Martin prepared for a normal offseason buildup and have him return to action in 2024.(Last updated: Aug. 30)
RHP Mark Melancon (right shoulder)
Expected return: TBD
Melancon began a throwing program on May 22. As of Aug. 14, manager Torey Lovullo said the veteran right-hander was throwing bullpen sessions each Tuesday and Friday. He was diagnosed with a subscapularis strain, and it’s uncertain whether he will pitch at all for the D-backs in 2023. (Last updated: Aug. 14)
RHP Austin Adams (fractured right ankle)
Expected return: TBD
Adams was struck in the right ankle during an appearance against the Giants on Aug. 1. Adams was forced to leave the game and X-rays taken later that night showed the fracture. He was placed on the 60-day IL on Aug. 2. (Last updated: Aug. 2)