Rehab for D-backs SP Luke Weaver paused due to COVID-19 protocols

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Luke Weaver is in COVID-19 protocols for seven days after coming in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus, D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said Monday.

The protocol for Weaver began on Friday and the D-backs will continue to test the pitcher over that period.

Weaver last pitched for the D-backs on May 16, exiting his start after four innings with what the team called right shoulder discomfort. Two days later, the D-backs placed Weaver on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder strain before transferring him to the 60-day injured list on May 28 with a subscapularis strain in the rotator cuff of his right shoulder.

On Friday, Weaver threw 4.1 innings in Triple-A Reno for what was his third outing on a rehab assignment. The right-hander got up to 73 pitches.

Lovullo said he does not anticipate Weaver’s seven-day period having a meaningful impact on his chances to get back with the ball club before the end of the season.

“He’s gonna find his way back here and get some opportunities to show us where he’s at, how healthy he is and continue to do the things that he’s been doing over the past several weeks through his buildup,” Lovullo said.

The D-backs’ regular season runs through September to Oct. 3.

Weaver, 28, has made eight starts in 2021, recording a 4.50 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP over 40.0 innings. He missed a significant chunk of 2019 as well, his first season with the D-backs, due to forearm and UCL injuries.

Arizona is in Pittsburgh on Monday to take on the Pirates. First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. on ESPN 620 AM and 98.7 FM HD-2.

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