Diamondbacks’ Jake Lamb removed from spring game with back tightness
Mar 17, 2019, 2:36 PM | Updated: 4:22 pm
Third baseman Jake Lamb #22 of the Arizona Diamondbacks fields a ground ball against the Colorado Rockies during the ninth inning of an MLB game at Chase Field on July 20, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Jake Lamb was taken out of a spring training game as he was suffering from back tightness, the team announced.
Lamb had played first base for three innings and got one at bat in which he flew out to right field. Yasmany Tomas took Lamb’s place at first in the game, a split squad matchup against the Chicago White Sox at Salt River Fields.
“He has just some back tightness, and just for precautionary reasons, I elected to take him out of the game,” Lovullo said. “He came and talked to me, and I just thought at this point, it’s not worth it. He’s going to come in tomorrow, get re-evaluated, I can’t predict how much time or if there’s time, but we’re going to see what’s going on over the next couple of days.”
The back issue occurred when Lamb took a swing in his only at bat.
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Lamb figures to see significant time at first base this season following the departure of Paul Goldschmidt, whom the D-backs traded to the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason.
The 28-year-old had appeared in 10 spring training games this season and was hitting .200 with two RBI and two doubles. Last season, the then-fifth-year big leaguer hit .222 with six home runs and 31 RBI, but his season was cut short after 56 games as he had to undergo shoulder surgery.
If Lamb were to miss any time, the D-backs’ options at first base could include Wilmer Flores and Christian Walker, the former of whom can play multiple positions around the diamond but has made 139 big league appearances at first.
