On Thursday, Torey Lovullo engaged with the press regarding Eduardo Rodriguez’s status for Opening Day.
Earlier in the week, Rodriguez was pulled from a game due to soreness in his left lat muscle and has yet to undergo any diagnostic tests.
Lovullo attempted to maintain a positive outlook but conceded that he couldn’t guarantee Rodriguez’s availability for the Diamondbacks’ opening series against the Rockies, which kicks off next Thursday.
“I’m going to remain optimistic that he can be ready, yes, but I say this with limited certainty,” Lovullo stated.
Zac Gallen is slated to be the starting pitcher for Opening Day. However, the Diamondbacks have not yet determined who will pitch in the second game. It appears likely that Merrill Kelly will step up to the mound for game two, as the team prefers not to hasten Rodriguez’s return.
The D-backs signed Rodriguez to a four-year, $80 million deal back in early December.
Stay tuned for further updates.
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