Gabriel Moreno nearing return, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. not far behind

Diamondbacks starting catcher Gabriel Moreno may be nearing a return, as manager Torey Lovullo revealed in his weekly appearance on The Burns & Gambo Show on Arizona Sports radio. Lovullo is hoping a lot sooner rather than later.

“He’s here today to hit off the Trajekt machine, which is a simulated pitcher. I don’t know who he’ll face but it’s high-intensity, get some really good reps, really good at-bats. He did a lot of catching work yesterday, came out of that okay.”

Lovullo said the next step for evaluating Moreno will be how he handles catching without limitations. He’s set to catch five innings at a camp game at Salt River Fields on Saturday. Once they get through that game, they’ll have a better idea of when he’ll return.

Moreno has been out since August 5 with a left adductor strain. He suffered the injury legging out an infield hit against the Cleveland Guardians. The Diamondbacks have missed his ability to shut down the opposing running game, as Adrian Del Castillo and José Herrera have allowed a combined 46 stolen bases while only throwing out two on the season.

Asked about who’s likely to come back first, Lovullo revealed that Moreno will be back before Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Gurriel has been on the injured list since September 3 with a left calf strain.

The Diamondbacks are hoping that once Moreno and Gurriel are back, they’ll have a fully healthy and loaded roster entering the postseason.

“We have that next man up mentality. Everybody has done an unreal job of stepping up and knowing what their roles are and just getting it done.”

Lovullo confirmed Merrill Kelly will make his next start against the Rockies at Coors Field. Kelly left his previous start against the Rangers with a hamstring cramp but has avoided a more serious injury. It’s been the third time since August 2023 that he’s left a start at Chase Field due to hydration issues. After restructuring their rotation, it appears two of his next three starts will come on the team’s upcoming road trip.

“He’s doing fine, he’s going to make his next start. For the way he spoke up and told us how he was feeling, he did exactly what we wanted him to do to protect him long term. All scheduled to go out there and compete and get his next start. Credit to him, credit to the medical staff, we’re in a good spot.”

After restructuring their rotation, it appears two of his next three starts will come on the team’s upcoming road trip. Lovullo mentioned trying to keep things in turn for him, so he’s on track to start the series opener against the San Diego Padres on September 27.