Christian Walker left tonight’s game with what the Diamondbacks described as left oblique tightness. It isn’t clear when the injury occurred, though Walker struck out swinging during a second-inning at-bat, and Kevin Newman then took over Walker’s spot at first base in the top of the fourth. More will be known about the severity of the injury once Walker undergoes tests, but any sort of oblique issue might hint at a trip to the injured list for the star first baseman.
Losing Walker for any stretch of time would deal a heavy blow to Arizona’s playoff hopes, given his all-around importance to the lineup. Walker is hitting .254/.338/.476 with 23 home runs over 461 plate appearances, and delivering his usual excellent glovework at first base. Beyond what an IL stay might do to the Diamondbacks’ chances in the pennant race, an extended absence also wouldn’t help Walker’s platform for a big free agent contract, as he is scheduled to hit the open market at season’s end. This sudden uncertainty over Walker’s status is an unwelcome wrinkle for the D’Backs in advance of tomorrow’s trade deadline, as the team was planning to focus on pitching rather than any significant position-player adds.
More from around the NL West…
- The Dodgers inquired about Jhoan Duran’s availability but couldn’t find a match with the Twins, The Athletic’s Dan Hayes reports (links to X). Unsurprisingly, Minnesota wanted a ton in exchange for a closer who is controlled through the 2027 season, and Hayes writes that the Twins are specifically looking for players who can help them win immediately. Los Angeles, by contrast, was only interested in moving prospects rather than MLB-ready talent. As it happened, the Dodgers did move one young player with big league experience as part of a larger trade to obtain relief pitching today, as Miguel Vargas and two prospects were sent to the White Sox as part of the three-team deal with the Sox and Cardinals that brought Michael Kopech and Tommy Edman to Los Angeles.
- Before the Blue Jays traded Yusei Kikuchi to the Astros earlier tonight, the Dodgers and Padres were among the teams showing interest in the left-hander, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi (X link). Both NL West teams are known to be looking for starting pitching help, and it’s probably safe to assume that basically any club with rotation needs at least called the Jays about a clear trade candidate like Kikuchi.
Snakes should take a look at Mountcastle. Mounty has an extra year of control too.
Tyler Anderson from the Angels is who I want the Padres to go after.
I wonder what it would take to get him. His contract is through 2025, so at least Snelling and Pauley/Rosario?
Can’t believe he hasn’t been dealt yet.
It’s the angles they run their team like the Rockies
He was injured on a foul pop out while throwing the ball back into the infield.
That isn’t what Lovullo said, but he did come out after that inning. Probably was the moment when he felt he couldn’t play anymore.
I don’t believe it will hurt his free agency as the writer of the article suggests.
Find me a player that Dodgers haven’t tried to buy and I’ll find you a player who should be in the minors. Scum of the earth team.
You can say the same about the padres. Both teams kick the tires on just about everyone.
Yeah, Mick, it’s just terrible when baseball teams invest in the on-field product and relentlessly try to build a winner…..
Booooo hooooooo! Triggered by the Dodgers trading at the TRADE DEADLINE. Seek help.