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SAN FRANCISCO — First baseman Pavin Smith, after seeing his first game action in the Arizona Complex League on Monday, May 25, is expected to shift his rehab assignment to Triple-A Reno this week and could return from the injured list as soon as next week.
Smith went hitless in four at-bats in the complex league, his first game action since going down with an elbow injury early in the season. Smith eventually needed surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said next week’s series at Chase Field against the Los Angeles Dodgers is “something that I’ve circled on my calendar” as a possible return date for Smith.
When healthy, Smith was a steady offensive presence for the Diamondbacks in 2024 and 2025, during which time he hit a combined .262/.357/.475 with 17 homers in 381 at-bats. The vast majority of those at-bats came against right-handed pitching.
The Diamondbacks could use the help at first base. This month, during which time Ildemaro Vargas’ bat has gone cold, the club’s first basemen have hit a combined .244/.269/.311. Their .580 OPS is the third-worst mark in the majors in May.
Smith, however, likely will return from the injured list strictly as a designated hitter with the intention of continuing to build up his throwing program. General manager Mike Hazen said this week that Smith’s throwing shouldn’t be too far behind his hitting.
Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (4-1, 2.24) vs. Giants TBA.
At Oracle Park: Rodriguez is coming off a strong start against the Rockies, whom he held scoreless over seven innings on four hits and one walk. … It was the fifth time in 10 starts he has worked at least six innings. … Rodriguez used his four-seam fastball more in the past two starts than he had in any of his previous outings. He threw it 58.6% of the time last time out. … In four starts against the Giants since coming to Arizona, Rodriguez has allowed 14 runs in 20 innings. … The Giants had not named a starter for this game, though this is RHP Tyler Mahle’s usual spot in the rotation. Mahle has a 6.10 ERA through 10 starts, serving up 10 homers in 51 2/3 innings. … It is unclear if the Giants are making a change in their rotation or opting to go with an opener ahead of Mahle.
Wednesday, May 27: At San Francisco, 12:45 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Michael Soroka (6-2, 3.27) vs. Giants RHP Logan Webb (2-4, 5.06).
Thursday, May 28: Off.
Friday, May 29: At Seattle, 7:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (3-4, 4.80) vs. Mariners RHP George Kirby (5-4, 3.54).
Saturday, May 30: At Seattle, 7:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (2-3, 4.65) vs. Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (4-3, 3.82).
(This story will be updated. Check back soon.)
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks-Giants live updates. Pavin Smith nears return from IL
Continue reading...
Smith went hitless in four at-bats in the complex league, his first game action since going down with an elbow injury early in the season. Smith eventually needed surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said next week’s series at Chase Field against the Los Angeles Dodgers is “something that I’ve circled on my calendar” as a possible return date for Smith.
When healthy, Smith was a steady offensive presence for the Diamondbacks in 2024 and 2025, during which time he hit a combined .262/.357/.475 with 17 homers in 381 at-bats. The vast majority of those at-bats came against right-handed pitching.
The Diamondbacks could use the help at first base. This month, during which time Ildemaro Vargas’ bat has gone cold, the club’s first basemen have hit a combined .244/.269/.311. Their .580 OPS is the third-worst mark in the majors in May.
Smith, however, likely will return from the injured list strictly as a designated hitter with the intention of continuing to build up his throwing program. General manager Mike Hazen said this week that Smith’s throwing shouldn’t be too far behind his hitting.
Diamondbacks at Giants, 6:45 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (4-1, 2.24) vs. Giants TBA.
At Oracle Park: Rodriguez is coming off a strong start against the Rockies, whom he held scoreless over seven innings on four hits and one walk. … It was the fifth time in 10 starts he has worked at least six innings. … Rodriguez used his four-seam fastball more in the past two starts than he had in any of his previous outings. He threw it 58.6% of the time last time out. … In four starts against the Giants since coming to Arizona, Rodriguez has allowed 14 runs in 20 innings. … The Giants had not named a starter for this game, though this is RHP Tyler Mahle’s usual spot in the rotation. Mahle has a 6.10 ERA through 10 starts, serving up 10 homers in 51 2/3 innings. … It is unclear if the Giants are making a change in their rotation or opting to go with an opener ahead of Mahle.
Coming up
Wednesday, May 27: At San Francisco, 12:45 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Michael Soroka (6-2, 3.27) vs. Giants RHP Logan Webb (2-4, 5.06).
Thursday, May 28: Off.
Friday, May 29: At Seattle, 7:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (3-4, 4.80) vs. Mariners RHP George Kirby (5-4, 3.54).
Saturday, May 30: At Seattle, 7:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (2-3, 4.65) vs. Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (4-3, 3.82).
(This story will be updated. Check back soon.)
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks-Giants live updates. Pavin Smith nears return from IL
Continue reading...
