The Diamondbacks introduced that first baseman Christian Walker has been reinstated from the injured record. He has been out because the finish of July as a result of a strained left indirect. He’ll take the roster spot of outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who’s heading the opposite approach. Gurriel has been positioned on the 10-day IL as a result of a strained left calf, retroactive to September 2.
The Snakes get considered one of their lineup regulars again however lose one other. Walker hit 23 dwelling runs and produced a batting line of .254/.338/.476 earlier than touchdown on the IL, manufacturing that translated to a 122 wRC+. He additionally routinely will get sturdy grades for his protection at first base, so he’s been value 2.7 wins above alternative on the 12 months regardless of his absence, per the calculations of FanGraphs.
Gurriel departed Sunday recreation as a result of some tightness in his calf and was despatched for an MRI. It’s unclear precisely how a lot time the membership expects him to overlook, however the IL placement suggests he wants at the very least every week or so to relaxation up. He has 17 dwelling runs and a line of .274/.316/.428 this 12 months, resulting in a 104 wRC+. He has sturdy defensive grades within the outfield as properly, resulting in a 1.8 fWAR tally on the 12 months.
Subbing in Walker for Gurriel is a slight improve for the membership in a vacuum, however it will likely be an fascinating roster match for supervisor Torey Lovullo to work out. The Snakes acquired Josh Bell to assist cowl first base in Walker’s absence and he has performed properly since that commerce, with a .283/.356/.453 line and 125 wRC+. The designated hitter slot is normally taken by Joc Pederson, who’s hitting .280/.400/.533 for a 157 wRC+ this 12 months.
Pederson is faring properly in his restricted appears to be like in opposition to southpaws this 12 months however has notable profession splits and has typically been shielded from opposing lefties. Bell is a switch-hitter and will at the very least be capable to take the quick facet of a platoon with Pederson, but it surely’s unclear if he’ll be capable to get extra taking part in time past that. Pederson is a poor defender and hasn’t been put out into the sphere in any respect this 12 months. He acquired 204 innings within the area with the Giants final 12 months however produced -5 Defensive Runs Saved and -4 Outs Above Common in that restricted time.
With Gurriel out, the Snakes have a possibility to maneuver Pederson on the market whereas opening the DH slot for Bell/Walker, however they should weigh the defensive hit in opposition to the offensive achieve. Randal Grichuk has sturdy numbers in opposition to lefty pitchers this 12 months, 128 wRC+ in opposition to them in comparison with a 96 wRC+ with out the platoon benefit. Theoretically, he may take the sphere in opposition to southpaws with Bell because the DH, then Pederson may take the sphere in opposition to righties. Although maybe they may merely choose to have Grichuk on the market since he’s a stronger defender than Pederson, maybe factoring within the pitcher and opposing lineup, calculating whether or not they suppose the left fielder will see a number of motion on a given day.
