Christian Walker left the Diamondbacks’ 9-8 win over the Washington Nationals with left oblique tightness. After the game, manager Torey Lovullo told reporters, including Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports, that the concern level was “not minimal” and that he’d undergo an MRI on Tuesday. Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports that while the team received relatively good news on the MRI, Walker will still require a stint on the injured list.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Hearing the Diamondbacks received relatively good news on the MRI for Christian Walker's oblique, but he is still expected to land on the injured list.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) July 30, 2024
It’s unclear what the severity of the oblique strain is, but the team traded for Josh Bell from the Miami Marlins. The Diamondbacks already had an open 40-man roster spot following Thyago Vieira’s DFA on Saturday and Walker being placed on the IL would be the likely corresponding move for the active roster.
While the switch-hitting Bell is a significant downgrade at the position compared to a healthy Walker, especially on the defensive end, he gives them a competent bat to play the position for cash considerations. Arizona will pay down $2.25 million of the $5.9 million remaining on his 2024 salary according to Burns and Gambo co-host John Gambadoro.
To simplify it- His salary for this season is $16.5. He is owed about $5.5 for rest of season. Dbacks are paying $2.25 of that remainder https://t.co/8Wk6FkLEbs
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 30, 2024
Once Walker comes back, that could create an issue of playing time. Arizona could get creative, as Bell could slot in as the primary DH vs. left-handed pitchers and move Randal Grichuk to the outfield to strengthen their lineup. Additionally, he would serve as a veteran bat off the bench with postseason experience with the Marlins in 2023.
Outside of Bell, the team’s first base options on the 40-man roster include Pavin Smith and Kevin Newman. Newman finished out Monday night’s game and had been the primary backup to Walker over the last six weeks. Smith is currently playing for the Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate in Reno.
Further Reading
Corbin Carroll’s pinch hit walkoff caps Diamondbacks impressive comeback win over Nationals
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
