Arizona Diamondbacks News

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Brandyn Garcia • RP • Diamondbacks

Brandyn Garcia Picks Up Second Save, a Deep-League Saves Target in Arizona

The Arizona Diamondbacks used left-handed reliever Brandyn Garcia for his second save of the season in their 3-0 victory over the hosting Pittsburgh Pirates in favor of veteran right-hander Paul Sewald. Garcia allowed a walk and struck out two in his inning of work to slam the door on the Bucs, and after the game, manager Torey Lovullo announced that Sewald is out as the closer. Unfortunately, Lovullo didn't specifically name Garcia as his go-to guy in the ninth inning going forward. It means that the D-backs will likely play the matchups late in games if they are ahead, and will most likely be operating with a closer-by-committee situation that could involve all of Garcia, Jonathan Loaisiga, Kevin Ginkel, and Juan Morillo. The 26-year-old Garcia entered Wednesday's action with a 2.25 ERA (1.72 FIP), one save, a 0.82 WHIP, and 33:6 K:BB in 28 relief innings in just his second big-league season. Garcia will be an option in the ninth going forward, but probably only if several lefties are due up for the opposing team. We wouldn't advise fantasy managers to chase the D-backs' bullpen situation unless you're absolutely desperate for saves.

7 hours ago

Paul Sewald • RP • Diamondbacks

Paul Sewald Out of the Closer's Role in Arizona

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said on Wednesday that right-hander Paul Sewald is out of the team's closer role, at least for now, and he will pitch in lower-leverage situations going forward, according to Jack Sommers of Sports Illustrated. Lovullo declined to specifically name left-hander Brandyn Garcia as the new closer, although Garcia picked up the save in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lovullo is expected to play the late-inning matchups for now, depending on the situation. When the skipper was asked about veteran righty Kevin Ginkel as an option for saves, Lovullo mentioned right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga. In addition to Garcia, Loaisiga, and Ginkel, right-hander Juan Morillo could be an option in the ninth inning for the Snakes going forward. Sewald blew two of his last three save chances, and although the veteran has 24 saves in 2026, he also has an ugly 5.26 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 43:9 K:BB in 37 2/3 innings. It looks like a full-blown closer-by-committee situation in Arizona now, which isn't ideal for fantasy purposes.

8 hours ago

Gabriel Moreno • C • Diamondbacks

Gabriel Moreno a Must-Add Catcher Where Available

Five years into his MLB career, Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno has had difficulty staying healthy for an entire season. However, the 26-year-old has managed to avoid major injury so far in 2026 and looks to be on pace to crack 400 plate appearances in a season for the first time. Moreno has also been highly productive, hitting .310/.393/.451 with seven home runs, 41 RBI, 43 runs scored, and four stolen bases across 326 trips to the plate. With just a 7.7% barrel rate, Moreno is unlikely to provide fantasy managers with plus power. Still, he owns a respectable 42.6% hard-hit rate and has struck out in just 15% of his plate appearances, which allows him to be the rare catcher who is a true batting average asset. Moreno also profiles as a quality run producer due to his spot in the heart of the Diamondbacks lineup. In any league where he remains available, Moreno should be viewed as a priority waiver wire target for fantasy managers.

Yesterday

Michael Soroka • SP • Diamondbacks

Michael Soroka Throws Simulated Game on Monday

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Michael Soroka (glute) threw a two-inning simulated game, consisting of 35 pitches, on July 25, according to MLB.com. He also threw a bullpen session on July 27 and is scheduled to pitch in a camp game on July 30. Soroka is rehabbing a left-glute strain that landed him on the 15-day injured list back on June 20. Barring a setback as he ramps up his throwing program, he should be back in Arizona's major-league starting rotation by early August. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues may want to consider picking the 28-year-old Canadian up off the waiver wire soon if they're still searching for starting-pitching upgrades. Soroka has had a resurgent season in 2026 with the Snakes, going 8-3 with a 3.07 ERA (2.94 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 17 walks in 82 innings pitched across his 15 starts in his seventh year in the majors. At the very least, he should be a matchup-based streaming option down the stretch in deep-mixed formats. Soroka is currently rostered in 67% of Yahoo leagues.

Yesterday

Michael Soroka • SP • Diamondbacks

Michael Soroka to Throw Simulated Game on Saturday

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Michael Soroka (glute) will throw a simulated game, consisting of two innings or 35 pitches, on Saturday, July 25, according to MLB.com. Soroka has been on the 15-day injured list since June 20 due to a left-glute strain, but he's making progress and could be ready to rejoin Arizona's starting rotation in either late July or early August. The 28-year-old is expected to need at least one minor-league rehab start before coming off the IL, though, so an early August return is more realistic. The former 28th overall pick by the Atlanta Braves in 2015 has had a resurgent season in 2026, his seventh in the big leagues and first in Arizona, going 8-3 for the Snakes with a career-best 3.07 ERA (2.93 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 17 walks in 82 innings across his 15 starts. Soroka's 23.7% strikeout rate is nothing to write home about, but he's also sporting a career-low 5.1% walk rate and is inducing a lot of weak contact with a 34.1% hard-hit rate. When he returns from the IL, he could continue to be a strong streaming option in fantasy baseball leagues. Soroka is currently rostered in 67% of Yahoo leagues.

4 days ago

Ketel Marte • 2B • Diamondbacks

Ketel Marte to Return From Back Injury on Friday

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said on MLB Network Radio that second baseman Ketel Marte (back) will be back in the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the hosting Washington Nationals and left-hander Carson Palmquist after he was scratched from Thursday's series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals with back stiffness, according to Dani Wexelman. Even with a left-hander on the mound to start for Washington, the 32-year-old switch-hitting Marte should be started in fantasy. In 115 plate appearances against southpaws as a right-handed hitter in 2026, Marte has hit .305 with eight of his 18 homers on the year. Marte has hit just .229 (16-for-70) with a homer, three doubles, a triple, six RBI, nine runs scored, three steals, five walks, and 15 strikeouts in 17 games and 76 plate appearances during July, but he's a must-start in most traditional fantasy formats at the keystone when he's active for his power from both sides of the plate.

5 days ago

Jordan Lawlar • LF • Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar is Primed for Second-Half Breakout

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman/outfielder Jordan Lawlar (hamstring) was recently cleared to begin doing baseball activities. He has been sidelined since June 20 due to a strained right hamstring, but is expected to return in early August. The hope is that Lawlar can be a key contributor for the D-Backs down the stretch of the season. This season, Lawlar is slashing .316/.409/.447 with one home run and four RBI in 12 games. It's a small sample size, but Lawlar has looked good at the plate when he's healthy. The 24-year-old carries high expectations after being taken in the first-round during the 2021 draft. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should consider stashing Lawlar, who appears on the verge of returning and is primed to break out at the plate.

6 days ago

Ketel Marte • 2B • Diamondbacks

Ketel Marte Scratched With Back Stiffness

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte (back) was scratched from Thursday's starting lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals with back stiffness, according to Steve Zinsmeister of Arizona Sports. Ildemaro Vargas is starting at the keystone and will bat seventh for the Snakes against Cardinals right-hander Michael McGreevy. For now, we'll consider Marte to be day-to-day until we know more. Fantasy managers will want to remove him from their starting lineups and check back on Friday to see if he's available in D.C. for the series opener against the Washington Nationals. It might be a good time for Marte to take a day off, as he's hitting just .229 (16-for-70) with a .619 OPS, one homer, three doubles, a triple, six RBI, nine runs scored, three steals, five walks, and 15 strikeouts in 17 games in July to drop his season line to .258/.313/.461 with a .773 OPS. The Dominican switch-hitter and three-time All-Star continues to be a strong source of power at the keystone, though, with 18 homers and 59 RBI in 98 games and 432 plate appearances in his 12th year in the majors.

6 days ago

Paul Sewald • RP • Diamondbacks

Paul Sewald Allows Two Runs in Blown Save as Rough Patch Lingers

Arizona Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald had a rough outing on Tuesday night against the Athletics, allowing two earned runs on two hits for his second blown save of the season. The 36-year-old ranks sixth in baseball with 23 saves, but he's hit a rough patch of late. Across his last eight innings pitched (nine games), Sewald has allowed four home runs and 10 earned runs. The long ball has been a major issue for the veteran right-hander, as he's allowed 2.23 HR/9. Sewald has the advantage of experience on his side, as he's collected 109 saves across 421 career MLB games. He also owns a 28.8% strikeout rate with just a 6.2% walk rate, good for a stellar 22.6% K-BB rate. However, Arizona may be forced to go in a different direction in the ninth inning if Sewald keeps allowing home runs at his current pace.

7 days ago

Corbin Carroll • RF • Diamondbacks

Corbin Carroll Back From Elbow Injury on Tuesday

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (elbow) is starting in right field and will bat third for the D-backs on Tuesday at Chase Field against the visiting Athletics and right-hander Jack Perkins, per MLB.com. As expected, Carroll will make his return after a one-game absence due to a hyperextended right elbow that he suffered in Sunday's series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite struggling in the month of July so far, the 25-year-old three-time All-Star and former National League Rookie of the Year needs to be returned to all starting fantasy lineups in traditional leagues this week. The former first-rounder remains one of the best all-around fantasy assets when he's clicking on all cylinders, and he'll return to a .250/.344/.480 slash line with an .824 OPS, 14 homers, 47 RBI, 55 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases on the year. In just two career at-bats against Perkins, Carroll has a hit and an RBI. Carroll will be looking to snap out of his July funk (.118 average, .485 OPS in 14 games).

Jul 21

Kohl Drake • SP • Diamondbacks

Pitching Prospect Kohl Drake Called Up to Start Against A's

The Arizona Diamondbacks are calling up left-handed pitching prospect Kohl Drake from Triple-A Reno to make the start against the visiting Athletics in what will be his major-league debut, manager Torey Lovullo told Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. Drake was called up as an emergency option in June, but he did not get into a game. The 26-year-old southpaw, who is considered the team's No. 10 prospect per MLB Pipeline, has been up and down for the Aces in 2026, posting an elevated 6.92 ERA and a 4.47 career ERA in the minors. Drake has had an elevated 10% walk rate in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, but he's allowed two earned runs in 8 2/3 innings in his last two starts for Reno, including five shutout innings on July 3. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound lefty features a five-pitch mix of a four-seam fastball, cutter, changeup, curveball, and slider. Drake could have a shot to stick as the No. 5 starter for the D-backs if he shows well on Tuesday, given all the injuries currently plaguing the team's rotation, but for now, fantasy managers in single-year leagues can keep him as a watch candidate.

Jul 21

Corbin Carroll • RF • Diamondbacks

Corbin Carroll Expected to Return on Tuesday

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (elbow) is expected to return to the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the visiting Athletics and right-hander Jack Perkins after missing Monday's series opener with a hyperextended right elbow that he suffered on a missed swing in Sunday's series finale against the St. Louis Cardinals, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. The 25-year-old left-handed-hitting outfielder has apparently avoided a serious injury and should avoid a stint on the injured list after getting hurt over the weekend. The former 16th overall pick in 2019 is a must-start in all fantasy formats when he's active, and he is currently hitting .250/.344/.480 with an .824 OPS, 14 homers, 47 RBI, 55 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across his 356 at-bats in 2026. If Carroll returns on Tuesday, he'll be looking to turn things around in July, as he's gone just 6-for-51 (.118) with a .485 OPS, one homer, three doubles, four RBI, seven runs, one stolen base, nine walks, and 18 strikeouts in 14 games during the month.

Jul 21

Merrill Kelly • SP • Diamondbacks

Merrill Kelly Re-Emerging as a Deep-League Starting Pitcher Streamer

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly has struggled overall in 2026, recording a 7-8 record with a 5.20 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts across 98 2/3 innings (17 starts). The 37-year-old's strikeout rate has plummeted to 14.4%, by far the worst mark of his eight-season MLB career. However, Kelly has shown signs of a turnaround in recent outings. Across his last three starts, the right-hander has allowed just four earned runs while logging 15 strikeouts and two wins across 17 innings pitched. Home runs have been a major issue so far this season for Kelly, as he's allowed 1.92 HR/9. If that mark can regress closer to his career rate of 1.23 HR/9 in the second half of the season, Kelly could be a viable streamer option in the right matchups. His profile carries risk, but Kelly could be re-emerging as a waiver wire target for deeper-league fantasy managers.

Jul 21

Corbin Carroll • RF • Diamondbacks

Corbin Carroll Out on Monday With Hyperextended Elbow

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (elbow) is absent from the team's starting lineup for Monday's series opener at Chase Field against the visiting Athletics, according to MLB.com. Jorge Barrosa is starting in right field and will bat out of the nine-hole against A's left-hander Jeffrey Springs. Carroll is considered day-to-day after suffering a hyperextended elbow in Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals, but he'll miss at least one game to begin the new week. Fantasy managers will want to check back on the 25-year-old three-time All-Star's availability for Game 2 of the series in the desert on Tuesday. The former 16th overall pick in 2019 is a must-start in all fantasy leagues when he's healthy. He's currently slashing .250/.344/.480 with an .824 OPS, 14 home runs, 47 RBI, 55 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across his 356 at-bats this year. Corbin could use a day or two off, though, as he's gone 6-for-51 (.118) with a homer, three doubles, four RBI, seven runs, one stolen base, nine walks, and 18 strikeouts in 14 games (60 plate appearances) so far in July.

Jul 20

Corbin Carroll • RF • Diamondbacks

Corbin Carroll Day-to-Day With Hyperextended Elbow

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (elbow) is considered day-to-day with a hyperextended right elbow, manager Torey Lovullo told Jose M. Romero of The Arizona Republic. Carroll will not have imaging and will have a chance to return to the starting lineup for Monday's series opener at home against the visiting Athletics. The 25-year-old All-Star hurt his elbow when he struck out swinging in the seventh inning of Sunday's extra-inning win over the St. Louis Cardinals, and he went 1-for-4 at the plate with a double and two strikeouts before being pulled. Thankfully, Carroll appears to have dodged a bullet and might not have to miss any time. The former 16th overall pick in 2019 came into Sunday's series finale at Chase Field with a .250/.345/.480 slash line, an .825 OPS, 14 home runs, 47 RBI, 55 runs scored, and 10 stolen bases across 352 at-bats in 2026. The three-time All-Star also leads the league with 10 triples, and he remains a must-start in all fantasy lineups as a five-category contributor and one of the most valuable outfielders in the game.

Jul 19

Ryne Nelson • SP • Diamondbacks

Ryne Nelson Set To Begin Throwing Program

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson (elbow) is showing "a lot of improvement" and should begin a throwing program Saturday or Sunday, manager Torey Lovullo said. Nelson has been shut down since landing on the injured list June 19 with a right flexor strain and mild UCL sprain. Arizona transferred him to the 60-day IL on June 25, and the club has listed September as a possible return. Beginning to throw is encouraging, but it is only the first step in what could still be a lengthy buildup. Nelson had a 4.97 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts across 83 1/3 innings over 15 starts before the injury. He remains a deep-league IL option rather than a must-hold player in standard redraft formats.

Jul 18

Michael Soroka • SP • Diamondbacks

Michael Soroka Could Return in Early August

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Michael Soroka (glute) will throw bullpen sessions on Saturday and Tuesday, manager Torey Lovullo told Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic. It could be followed by a simulated game the following Saturday, which would put him in line for a potential return to the starting rotation around the beginning of August. Once he's ready to resume pitching in games, the D-backs plan on having Soroka make at least one minor-league rehab start. The 28-year-old Canadian hurler has been out since June 19 with a glute strain. Before his injury, though, Soroka was in the midst of a career resurgence in the desert, going 8-3 with a 3.07 ERA (2.93 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 17 walks in 82 innings pitched across his 15 starts. He's currently rostered in 68% of Yahoo leagues, but fantasy managers in need of rotation help in mixed leagues will want to target him off the waiver wire as his return gets closer. At the very least, Soroka should be a matchup-based streamer down the stretch in fantasy.

Jul 17

Geraldo Perdomo • SS • Diamondbacks

Geraldo Perdomo Returns to Friday's Lineup

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (hand) is back at the 6 and is hitting second for Friday's series opener against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals and right-hander Michael McGreevy at Chase Field, per MLB.com. Perdomo has been dealing with a recurring left-hand issue recently and had a cortisone injection during the All-Star break, but he's feeling better now and will begin the second half of the season in Arizona's starting lineup. Fantasy managers have to wonder if the 26-year-old switch-hitting Dominican's hand issues have been the reason why he has struggled at the plate in 2026. In 323 at-bats in the first half of 2026, Perdomo had a disappointing .241/.354/.356 slash line with a .710 OPS, only six home runs, 34 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 46 runs scored in 92 games after a career-high 20 homers, 100 RBI, and 27 steals in 161 contests in a breakout 2025. Fantasy managers are hopeful that Perdomo can pick things up in the second half, but his xBA of .251 and xwOBA of .326 don't point to a massive turnaround coming.

Jul 17

Zac Gallen • SP • Diamondbacks

Zac Gallen Awaiting Second Opinions on his Elbow

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said that right-hander Zac Gallen (elbow) is waiting on second opinions after landing on the 15-day injured list last week with inflammation in his right elbow, according to Alex D'Agostino of Sports Illustrated. "Gallen, we're continuing to evaluate," Lovullo said. "He is waiting for other opinions from other doctors. So we'll just keep putting that off until we get everything complete." Second opinions typically aren't a great sign for injured players, although it's too early to speculate if Gallen will need something severe like season-ending Tommy John surgery. Still, it's more bad news for the 30-year-old former third-rounder by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2016 out of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after a rough first half of the season in his eighth year in the big leagues. Gallen is rostered in just over 30% of Yahoo leagues now after going 3-9 in his first 19 starts (98 innings) with a career-worst 6.34 ERA (5.31 FIP) and 1.56 WHIP with 61 strikeouts and 31 walks. It's hard to recommend holding him in mixed fantasy leagues if a lengthy stay on the injured list is coming.

Jul 17

Michael Soroka • SP • Diamondbacks

Michael Soroka Not Expected to Return Right After All-Star Break

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Michael Soroka (glute) threw a bullpen session on Tuesday, but he's not expected to return immediately following this week's All-Star break, according to Sports Illustrated's Alex D'Agostino. Soroka has been on the 15-day injured list since June 19. He's making progress, but he will likely require a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining Arizona's starting rotation. With Zac Gallen (elbow) also on the IL to start the second half of the season, right-hander Jose Cabrera could be called up to make another couple of spot starts for the Snakes. The 28-year-old Soroka was having a career resurgence in the first half of 2026 before getting hurt in his first year in the desert, going 8-3 with a 3.07 ERA (2.93 FIP) and 1.08 WHIP with 79 strikeouts and 17 walks in 82 innings pitched across his 15 starts for Arizona. Soroka should become a popular streamer once again in fantasy when he's healthy, but that might not be until early August.

Jul 16

Arizona Diamondbacks News

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