Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno talks return against Cincinnati
Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno talks about his return to the team after his injury, and hitting a key home run against Cincinnati on Aug. 22.
Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno greeted family and happily walked back into the clubhouse holding his young son following the team’s 6-5 win in 11 innings on Friday, Aug. 22.
There was much to be glad about. Moreno had just finished his first game since June 14, catching the entire game in his first off the 60-day injured list. Besides that, he’d hit a three-run home run to aid in the victory.
“I felt very emotional today,” Moreno said in Spanish after the game. “Going two-and-a-half months injured and not able to play, only rehabbing, it’s a good feeling to get the win and I’m really proud because it was such a challenge for me to get over the injury I had. I know I prepared myself well, though, for something good, and to be able to play a full game.”
Moreno played through what was later determined to be a broken hand bone after he was hit by a bounced wild pitch in Cincinnati in early June. He tried to play through it but the pain in the hand was too great.
Moreno was surprised at how long it took to return from his injury.
“It’s the bone, so you’ve got to wait for the bone to heal,” he said. “It made me hurt when we were losing, but I know I believe in my teammates, and I know they’re going to be back to winning games.”
-José M. Romero
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said he texted Reds manager Terry Francona well before the game to let him know that he planned to start left-handed reliever Jalen Beeks on Saturday.
Lovullo was asked if it is common for managers to tell each other their pitching plans.
“I don’t like the sneaky games,” Lovullo said. “I like to play it up front and let everybody know what the landscape is, and then let them figure out what (a pitcher’s ) game plan will be.”
Lovullo said it’s a “50-50 thing” where managers will text other managers such information. He said he does it every time and appreciates those who inform him.
“There’s no secrets here. Just strap it on, go toe-to-toe at the line of scrimmage and see who wins a baseball game,” Lovullo said. “That’s my mindset.”
-José M. Romero
Thompson to get rehab assignment
Right-handed reliever Ryan Thompson will be sent out on a rehab assignment on Tuesday, Aug. 26, manager Torey Lovullo said.
Thompson is likely to head for Triple-A Reno to pitch in a game for the Aces. He’s been on the 15-day disabled list with a strained scapular since July 6 but is getting closer to a return.
Reds at Diamondbacks, 5:10 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks LHP Jalen Beeks (4-1, 4.07) vs. Reds LHP Andrew Abbott (8-3, 2.28).
At Chase Field: The Diamondbacks announced earlier in the day that Beeks would get the start instead of RHP Nabil Crismatt. The club wants the left-hander to face the top of the Reds lineup before transitioning to Crismatt for a multi-inning relief effort, manager Torey Lovullo confirmed before the game. … Crismatt made his first appearance in the majors this season last weekend at Colorado, firing five innings of one-run ball. He allowed three hits, walked one and struck out five. … Crismatt, 30, made one appearance with the Diamondbacks during the 2023 season. He spent most of this season in Triple-A with the Phillies. … Abbott, 26, was named to his first All-Star team this year. He has been the Reds’ best and most consistent starter this year. … He threw seven scoreless innings against the Brewers in his most recent outing. … His best start came June 10 vs. the Guardians when he threw a three-hit shutout with one walk and five strikeouts. … He faced the Diamondbacks last year, giving up one run in seven innings in a game at Chase Field.
Coming up
Sunday, Aug. 24: At Chase Field, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (9-13, 5.28) vs. Reds RHP Brady Singer (11-9, 4.18).
Monday, Aug. 25: At Milwaukee, 4:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (5-7, 5.40) vs. Brewers RHP Jacob Misiorowski (4-2, 4.19).
Tuesday, Aug. 26: At Milwaukee, 4:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (12-8, 4.95) vs. Brewers RHP Quinn Priester (11-2, 3.44).