As the Arizona Diamondbacks prepare to take on the Philadelphia Phillies in their series finale on Wednesday afternoon, September 2, right fielder Corbin Carroll is optimistic about a recent lower back issue. Carroll, who has been dealing with discomfort for the past two days, expressed hope that the problem is merely a "short term" concern and is ready to contribute to his team's efforts.
Carroll first noticed the issue during Monday night’s game against the Phillies when he felt a spasm in his back after getting up from the bench. He acknowledged that the discomfort became more apparent while running the bases in the ninth inning of that game and seemed to affect him further in the subsequent game on Tuesday, September 1.
When asked about the impact of the injury on his hitting, Carroll stated, "I think it doesn’t really hurt, but I might be compensating a little bit; I’m not sure. I feel like it is something that should be short-term." His manager, Torey Lovullo, indicated that Carroll was eager to play, but Carroll clarified that he did not push for a spot in the lineup. Instead, he communicated to the coaching staff that he was ready to play unless they deemed it necessary to rest him.
In addition to Carroll's situation, the Diamondbacks will be without second baseman Ketel Marte, who is taking a planned day off. Lovullo explained that after Marte’s 13-day absence from the lineup earlier this season, they had discussed this break to ensure he is prepared for the upcoming games. Lovullo emphasized the importance of keeping Marte healthy and ready for the stretch run of the season.
Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks are also managing their pitching staff carefully. Lovullo announced that right-handers Zac Gallen and Michael Soroka are scheduled to pitch in a simulated game on Friday, September 4, each throwing four innings and approximately 60 pitches. Both pitchers could be candidates to return from the injured list next week during the Diamondbacks' series in Kansas City. Additionally, right-hander Corbin Burnes is set to throw in a bridge camp game on Thursday, September 3, as he works his way back from injury.
In terms of their pitching matchup for the game against the Phillies, the Diamondbacks will send Taylor Clarke to the mound, who has a record of 2-3 with a 2.60 ERA. Clarke will face Phillies right-hander Andrew Painter, who is 3-8 with a 5.95 ERA. Painter, a first-round pick in 2021, has shown flashes of potential, with a 3.78 ERA across his last six starts, but he has yet to fully realize the expectations set for him upon entering the league.
The Diamondbacks are looking to build momentum as they head into a series against the Houston Astros following this matchup with the Phillies. The series finale is set to start at 12:40 p.m. at Chase Field, where both teams will be eager to secure a win as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
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