Apr 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) at bat in the second inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images Allan Henry-Imagn Images

Diamondbacks Star Catcher Exits Game with Back Injury

Originally posted on Arizona Diamondbacks on SI
By Alex D'Agostino | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 7:51 PM ET

Arizona Diamondbacks Gold Glove catcher Gabriel Moreno exited Friday afternoon's contest against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park just ahead of the third inning.

According to an update from the Diamondbacks, Moreno was removed with what was called left lower back tightness. There is no indication of severity as of this writing. Diamondbacks On SI will continue to report on this developing story.

Moreno was replaced by veteran backup catcher James McCann. Moreno had ended the previous inning by throwing out Phillies center fielder Justin Crawford at second base.

Diamondbacks' Gabriel Moreno leaves game vs Phillies early

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Moreno has been hitting the ball well of late, including a pair of critical pinch-hit doubles in Thursday afternoon's rubber match win over the New York Mets. Moreno is hitting .275/.333/.400 with five doubles on the season — but has yet to leave the yard with a home run.

Moreno is a crucial part of both the D-backs' offense and defense. Though McCann is certainly a proficient backup catcher, and has brought a positive veteran presence to the pitching staff, Moreno has been the one delivering big hits and in the middle of the lineup, as well as consistently controlling runners.

The encouraging factor is this injury concern for Moreno is not related to the elbow inflammation that held him out of a few Cactus League games towards the end of spring training. Of course, the Gold Glove backstop may still require additional tests or an IL stint if it proves to be severe.

The Diamondbacks are currently without both Moreno and star outfielder Corbin Carroll (hip flexor tightness) for Friday's lineup, though Carroll is expected to be available off the bench.

This article first appeared on Arizona Diamondbacks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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