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The Diamondbacks’ roster moves reflect the team’s efforts to find the right balance of veteran leadership and young talent as they aim to bounce back in the new season.Phoenix Today
The Arizona Diamondbacks have placed first baseman Pavin Smith on the 10-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation, and have recalled infield prospect Jose Fernandez from the minors. Fernandez, 22, impressed in spring training and is set to make his MLB debut after a strong 2022 season in Double-A.
Why it matters
The Diamondbacks are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season, and the health of Pavin Smith is crucial to their lineup. Fernandez’s promotion provides a boost to the team’s infield depth and could give the young prospect a chance to earn a bigger role if he performs well in his first taste of the majors.
The details
Smith dealt with a left elbow issue in spring training that kept him off the field for a few days, and he was scratched from the Opening Day lineup on Thursday. He did play on Friday and Saturday as the designated hitter, but the Diamondbacks have now placed him on the 10-day IL retroactive to March 29. Fernandez, a 22-year-old infield prospect, was a standout in spring training, hitting .300 with 3 home runs, 3 doubles and a triple in 10 Cactus League games. He also had a 3-hit performance in the Spring Breakout prospect showcase. Fernandez hit 17 home runs with 12 stolen bases and a .775 OPS last year in Double-A Amarillo, and has played all four infield positions throughout his career.
Smith was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to March 29.Fernandez is set to make his MLB debut shortly after being recalled from the minors.
The players
Pavin Smith
A first baseman for the Arizona Diamondbacks who has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to left elbow inflammation.
Jose Fernandez
A 22-year-old infield prospect for the Arizona Diamondbacks who has been recalled from the minors and is set to make his MLB debut.
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What’s next
The Diamondbacks will monitor Pavin Smith’s recovery from his elbow injury, and Jose Fernandez will look to make the most of his opportunity to contribute at the major league level.
The takeaway
The Diamondbacks are hoping that Fernandez can provide a boost to their infield depth while Smith recovers from his injury, and the young prospect’s strong spring training performance has earned him a chance to prove himself at the MLB level.