Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed has been diagnosed with a broken right wrist, as Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. He was hit with a pitch during a rehab appearance.
That’s brutal luck for Ahmed, who was nearing a return from a long layoff owing to another HBP that resulted in a broken right hand. Another key middle infielder, Chris Owings, is also on the DL, though Piecoro notes that the hope is that he’ll be able to return at the tail end of the regular season.
In Ahmed’s case, he is expected to require six to eight weeks to recover. In theory, then, he could be ready to return during the postseason, should the Diamondbacks qualify and advance. But it’s likely that this injury will spell the end of Ahmed’s season.
The 27-year-old has only taken 178 plate appearances on the year to date, slashing .251/.298/.419 in advance of his first season of arbitration eligibility. He’s a gifted defender, though that won’t really boost his earning power through the arb process.
Arizona has relied upon youngster Ketel Marte to cover for the injuries. He carries a solid-enough .256/.342/.419 batting line and has taken strides in his plate discipline (11.4% walk rate). Marte figures to continue occupying a significant role the rest of the way.
There are still a few days left to try to swing a trade, of course. Reds shortstop Zack Cozart standing out as a hypothetical target, though his waiver status is unclear. GM Mike Hazen tells Piecoro that he’ll continue to look into the possibility of a swap for a middle infielder, but he also downplayed the likelihood of finding a match.
Ahmed and marte probably provide the same amount of value in different ways. Not sure they’re any better off with Ahmed.
Or get Brandon Phillips who’d command less in a deal.
Not a shortstop. Makes no sense for AZ. They have Lamb at 3rd and Drury at 2nd
Have to go get Cozart. Or I like dat dude. Play some 2B and 3b
That has to be the worst luck in the MLB so far this season.
Dunno if its Mike Morse level
Jose Iglesias Gold Glove short stop is available for a pitching prospect who is 18/19. Tiger’s going real young
He’s already been pulled back off waivers
Correct that he was claimed by some team.?maybe you!
Doubtful, since that happened before this new injury
Zach Cozart is the logical choice. Any other SS-capable middle infielder who’s available is probably hitting below .250
Asdrubal Cabrera? Oh, wait a minute. You said SS-capable. Never mind.
Cabs does look like he could be a fit here, final piece of the Mets fire sale.
Reyes?
Unless a SS is available in trade for near nothing, the Dbacks will roll w/ Marte, Rosales and Reinheimer will be called up in a few days.
Get Reyes from the Mets for cheap.
Maybe Danny Espinosa?
Or Galvis from Philly?
If you can get Cozart for a low minor league pitcher, do it. That’s assuming coach has cleared revocable waivers. Otherwise, the Reds get nothing for him this winter.
Not necessarily, they very well could extend him a QO. I think they’d be foolish not to.