Gabriel Moreno dealing with hamstring issue at worst possible time

SAN DIEGO — The Arizona Diamondbacks removed catcher Gabriel Moreno from Friday’s game against the San Diego Padres with a tender left hamstring, manager Torey Lovullo said postgame.

At the time, the D-backs led 11-3 going into the bottom of the seventh inning, as it seemed they were getting their catcher off his feet to end the game.

The issue happened when Moreno was running the bases during an 11-4 win, a victory to push the D-backs up to one game behind the Philadelphia Phillies in the race for the final playoff spot in the National League.

Lovullo said his concern for Moreno moving forward was “minimal,” and he was in Saturday’s lineup as the designated hitter.

“I think he has gutted out a lot this year,” Lovullo said. “I know that he is hungry to continue having a great season and help us win games. I think he is going to be in the lineup in some capacity.”

Moreno will not undergo imaging.

“I’m gonna see how I feel tomorrow, but definitely I will play,” Moreno said postgame. “I want to do whatever possibly I can to be out there on the field.”

Moreno played through hamstring troubles earlier this season to keep his bat in the lineup, and he said this has a similar feeling.

Adrian Del Castillo was recalled for depth behind Moreno and James McCann.

To make room, the D-backs have designated outfielder Jesus Sanchez for assignment, as he did not last long as a left-handed bat brought in to help against righties.

Moreno is batting .311, in the lead for the National League batting title. The Diamondbacks need him in that third spot of the batting order, so his status moving forward is critical to their chances to complete their unlikely playoff push.

Related

Diamondbacks scratch Gabriel Moreno for must-win final gamePhillies-Rays finale moved up ahead of expected rain as D-backs hope for Phillies lossWhy did the Diamondbacks pinch hit for Gabriel Moreno?Wild Card standings: D-backs need win, Phillies loss for postseason berthWhat did Diamondbacks’ bullpen game failure mean for their playoff chances?Phillies lose 4th straight, Diamondbacks stay alive in NL Wild Card race