D-backs 1B Christian Walker day-to-day with right groin strain
Jul 13, 2020, 8:56 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker is unable to make a play on a grounder hit by Stephen Vogt during an intrasquad game Monday, July 6, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker is day-to-day with a right groin strain, manager Torey Lovullo said Monday.
“Obviously, gotta get him back at full strength,” he said.
Walker injured himself on Sunday when he made a diving play on a line drive hit by D-backs catcher Carson Kelly during an intrasquad game.
Lovullo said he is not concerned about Walker’s status and expects him to not miss any regular season time. Walker did have an MRI. Arizona’s season opener is on July 24, 12 days from the time Walker was injured.
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“If you were asking me, I’m very optimistic,” Lovullo said.
Walker, 29, emerged as the D-backs’ every-day first baseman in 2019 after the team traded Paul Goldschmidt in the offseason. The right-handed hitter had multiple years of dominating minor league pitching but had yet to carve out a regular role at the major league level until last season.
He hit a respectable .259 with 29 home runs, 73 RBIs and an OPS of .825. Walker started 132 games at first base after making 15 total starts in MLB from 2014-18 over five seasons.
The D-backs began summer camp at Chase Field on July 3.
Arizona’s other options at first base include Jake Lamb, Kevin Cron, Pavin Smith and Seth Beer.
