MEXICO CITY — A series that was supposed to be about competition, connection and culture has turned into some bad luck for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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Apr 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) looks on after leaving the game against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The D-Backs completed their two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Mexico City at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú, where Arizona returned for competition for the first time since 2019. However, three players were removed due to injuries.
Right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen opened Game 1 of the series but was eventually removed after taking a line drive to his right shoulder. Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo injured his left leg while attempting to field a ball, with the club later revealing he suffered an ankle sprain. In Game 2, catcher Adrian Del Castillo was removed after dislocating his left ring finger while trying to catch a foul tip.
Apr 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Adrian Del Castillo against the Chicago White Sox at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to Arizona Central’s Nick Piecoro, Gallen is still expected to make his next start, and Perdomo will avoid the injured list and is day to day. There have been no updates on Del Castillo’s condition.
Zac Gallen also is doing better today, manager Torey Lovullo said, adding that the club is more encouraged today that he will be able to make his next start. Gallen was hit on the shoulder by a line drive last night.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) April 26, 2026
Jose Fernandez is in the lineup today at shortstop, but Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he feels strongly that Geraldo Perdomo was going to be able to avoid the IL based on how his ankle feels this morning.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) April 26, 2026
What makes these injuries worth keeping an eye on is the context of the injuries the team is already facing, along with players just returning. Just when it looks like the team is nearing full health, minor injuries like these can alter plans.
Most notably, the starting rotation and catcher positions have already been impacted, with starter Merrill Kelly just coming back from the injured list and catcher Gabriel Moreno expected to return soon.
Apr 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo against the Chicago White Sox at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Thankfully, with positive reports on both players and the hope that Del Castillo’s injury won’t keep him out long either, that’s a small win in what was a tough international series for the Snakes.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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