SCOTTSDALE — The Arizona Diamondbacks scratched catcher Gabriel Moreno from Friday’s lineup due to an issue that isn’t ideal with the regular season approaching.
Per @Dbacks manager Torey Lovullo, catcher Gabriel Moreno was scratched tonight with right forearm tightness. Has had it for a few days. Thought he could go tonight but couldn’t. He’s having imaging done now.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) March 14, 2026
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) talks to pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 16, 2026, in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
According to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Moreno has been dealing with right forearm tightness for several days and initially hoped to play through it. However, the catcher will undergo imaging as a precaution.
Moreno has become a central piece of Arizona’s lineup and a steady presence behind the plate. Since arriving in 2023, the catcher has helped reshape the way the pitching staff operates with his exceptional framing ability, defensive instincts and power at the plate.
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 13, 2026, Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The concern, however, has been his ability to stay healthy for a full season — and the latest development raises the possibility of another interruption.
Moreno has been productive for the Diamondbacks, posting a .278 career batting average with a .754 OPS during his time in the desert. With a Gold Glove already on his résumé, he has established himself as one of the league’s most reliable two-way catchers. Losing him for any amount of time could be significant for Arizona.
Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) during spring training workouts on Feb. 10, 2026, at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
As the club awaits the results of Moreno’s imaging, the hope is that the issue is minor and something he can recover from quickly without missing significant time — especially with the 2026 season getting underway.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
