D-backs place Gabriel Moreno on IL ahead of their June 23 series vs. the White Sox, reportedly signing veteran James McCann. How will this shake-up impact the team?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just as the Diamondbacks looked to rebound from a tough series finale in Colorado, the team was hit with a significant roster shake-up. Catcher Gabriel Moreno was officially placed on the 10-day injured list, prompting the call-up of Aramis Garcia and, in a developing story, the reported signing of veteran catcher James McCann. The moves create a new dynamic for the club as they open a pivotal road series against the Chicago White Sox.
Ketel Marte isn't just playing well; he's the leading vote-getter among all National League second basemen for the All-Star Game.
The biggest news of the day came off the field, as the D-backs made moves to address their catching depth. Gabriel Moreno was placed on the 10-day IL with a right-hand contusion, a move retroactive to June 16. In his place, the team called up Aramis Garcia from Triple-A Reno. But the bigger splash is the reported agreement with veteran James McCann on a Major League deal after his release from the Braves. While the club hasn't confirmed it, McCann's arrival would provide a steady, experienced hand to guide the pitching staff. The roster shuffling also saw reliever Christian Montes De Oca moved to the 60-day IL, further straining the team's pitching depth.
Amid the injury news, Ketel Marte continues to be a shining star. The second baseman bolstered his All-Star campaign with a phenomenal 4-hit game, including two doubles, in Saturday's victory over the Rockies. His consistent excellence at the plate has not gone unnoticed by fans, who have voted him into the top spot for NL second basemen. Marte's bat is not just important; it's the engine of the Diamondbacks' offense, and his leadership will be crucial as the team navigates its current challenges.
The D-backs entered Monday's series opener in Chicago hoping to wash away the bad taste of Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Rockies. That defeat, which saw the offense go quiet in key moments, prevented a series sweep and left the team at 39-38. Now, they face a White Sox team that is struggling mightily, having lost four straight at home. With Merrill Kelly on the mound for the opener, Arizona has a prime opportunity to get back on track, but the bats will need to wake up to provide the necessary run support.
With new faces behind the plate and a crucial road series underway, the Diamondbacks' resilience will be tested. All eyes are on Chicago to see if the offense can reignite and how the new catching tandem of Garcia and the expected McCann will handle the pitching staff. This week could be a defining one for the D-backs' mid-season trajectory.
