The Diamondbacks introduced that first baseman Christian Walker has been reinstated from the injured listing. He has been out for the reason that finish of July as a result of a strained left indirect. He’ll take the roster spot of outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who’s heading the opposite approach. Gurriel has been positioned on the 10-day IL as a result of a strained left calf, retroactive to Sept. 2.
The Snakes get one in every of their lineup regulars again however lose one other. Walker hit 23 house runs and produced a batting line of .254/.338/.476 earlier than touchdown on the IL, manufacturing that translated to a 122 wRC+. He additionally routinely will get robust grades for his protection at first base, so he’s been price 2.7 wins above alternative on the yr regardless of his absence, per the calculations of FanGraphs.
Gurriel departed Sunday sport as a result of some tightness in his calf and was despatched for an MRI. It’s unclear precisely how a lot time the membership expects him to overlook, however the IL placement suggests he wants at the least every week or so to relaxation up. He has 17 house runs and a line of .274/.316/.428 this yr, resulting in a 104 wRC+. He has robust defensive grades within the outfield as properly, resulting in a 1.8 fWAR tally on the yr.
Subbing in Walker for Gurriel is a slight improve for the membership in a vacuum, however it will likely be an attention-grabbing roster match for supervisor Torey Lovullo to work out. The Snakes acquired Josh Bell to assist cowl first base in Walker’s absence and he has performed properly since that commerce, with a .283/.356/.453 line and 125 wRC+. The designated hitter slot is normally taken by Joc Pederson, who’s hitting .280/.400/.533 for a 157 wRC+ this yr.
Pederson is faring properly in his restricted seems in opposition to southpaws this yr however has notable profession splits and has typically been shielded from opposing lefties. Bell is a switch-hitter and may at the least be capable of take the quick facet of a platoon with Pederson, however it’s unclear if he’ll be capable of get extra enjoying time past that. Pederson is a poor defender and hasn’t been put out into the sector in any respect this yr. He bought 204 innings within the subject with the Giants final yr however produced -5 Defensive Runs Saved and -4 Outs Above Common in that restricted time.
With Gurriel out, the Snakes have a possibility to maneuver Pederson on the market whereas opening the DH slot for Bell/Walker, however they should weigh the defensive hit in opposition to the offensive achieve. Randal Grichuk has robust numbers in opposition to lefty pitchers this yr, 128 wRC+ in opposition to them in comparison with a 96 wRC+ with out the platoon benefit. Theoretically, he may take the sector in opposition to southpaws with Bell because the DH, then Pederson may take the sector in opposition to righties. Though maybe they could merely desire to have Grichuk on the market since he’s a stronger defender than Pederson, maybe factoring within the pitcher and opposing lineup, calculating whether or not they suppose the left fielder will see plenty of motion on a given day.
