Diamondbacks’ Gabriel Moreno, Pavin Smith on track for rehab assignments next week

PHOENIX — A group of Arizona Diamondbacks on the injured list — including catcher Gabriel Moreno and first baseman Pavin Smith — are tracking toward going on rehab assignments next week.

Moreno (fractured finger) took three at-bats in a live batting practice session on Friday and ran the bases. He previously began throwing and hitting off the tee.

Manager Torey Lovullo said Moreno could jump into a rehab assignment at some point next week, and a return to the Diamondbacks for their next homestand starting on Aug. 18 is a “legitimate” possibility. He is eligible to return from the 60-day IL next weekend, but Lovullo expects he will be back a bit after that.

“He’s gonna probably catch more bullpens, take some more at-bats, build up that hand strength, arm strength,” Lovullo said. “I’m looking for him to probably play games in Reno or somewhere midweek next week.”

The Diamondbacks have three catchers on the roster with James McCann, Jose Herrera and Adrian Del Castillo, so there will be discussions about the roster once Moreno is ready to return to his post as the starter.

Smith (oblique strain) and infielder Ildemaro Vargas (fractured foot) played in a continuation camp game at Salt River Fields on Thursday, as did infield prospect Jordan Lawlar.

Lovullo said the plan is for Smith and Vargas to go on a rehab assignment to Triple-A Reno next Tuesday.

Gabriel Moreno faced live pitching today and ran the bases.

Moreno, Pavin Smith and Ildemaro Vargas could all go on rehab assignments next week. pic.twitter.com/jj1JDzf2vV

— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) August 8, 2025

Lawlar is on a somewhat different path, as he went on the minor league injured list with a hamstring strain on June 26. Lovullo said Lawlar will probably get up to Reno in the coming days, and from there he will need to get his feet back underneath him in the minor leagues before coming back up.

“ I think (general manager Mike Hazen has) been on the record saying he’s gotta go down there and earn his promotion,” Lovullo said. “That’s a mindset I want everybody to be in. There’s no handouts. We gotta go out and make sure the players are playing at the highest level to get him back here. … I want him to get some sort of a foundation.”

Once the D-backs traded Eugenio Suarez at the deadline, third base opened up. Blaze Alexander has taken everyday reps there since, and Lawlar is expected to get looks at the hot corner once he’s recalled.

Additionally, reliever Kevin Ginkel received a second opinion on his shoulder that confirmed a strain. He will be shut down from throwing for six weeks. The D-backs placed him on the 60-day IL this week, which takes him out until the end of the regular season.

Pitcher Cristian Mena has thrown out to 90 feet, while Ryan Thompson felt good after throwing 15 pitches off the mound in a short box session (catcher sets up closer than normal bullpen).

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