D-backs’ Taylor Widener headed to IL, Jon Duplantier called up

The Arizona Diamondbacks are sending yet another player to the injured list Tuesday.

D-backs starting pitcher Taylor Widener is headed to the 10-day IL with a right groin strain, the team announced. He is expected to be out a few weeks, per Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro.

Additionally, the D-backs have called up pitcher Jon Duplantier from the Triple-A Reno Aces.

Gambadoro adds the righty could be available out of the bullpen as early as Tuesday night’s matchup against the San Francisco Giants.

Widener’s return from the IL was short-lived, with the pitcher lasting just 1.2 innings Sunday before being pulled injuring his groin. He allowed a hit and two walks, while striking out two of the 11 batters he faced in the team’s 4-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies.

“I’m not very happy about it right now,” Widener told reporters after the game. “I was excited to get back and start pitching again. My last bullpen I threw I felt really good.”

While yet another groin injury has forced Widener to the IL, skipper Torey Lovullo told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo he didn’t injure the exact same area.

In five starts this season (24 IP), Widener is 1-0 with a 2.63 ERA and 1.167 WHIP. He’s registered 20 strikeouts and has two quality starts in 2021.

Widener is the latest Diamondback to find himself on the IL in the past week, joining starting pitchers Zac Gallen (sprained right elbow) and Luke Weaver (right shoulder strain), first baseman Christian Walker (strained oblique) and infielder Asdrubal Cabrera (strained hamstring).

Duplantier returns to the majors after a two-year absence. In 15 games (three starts) in 2019, the pitcher went 1-1 with a save and a 4.42 ERA. He struck out 34 batters and walked 18.

The D-backs will look to snap an eight-game losing streak when they take on the Giants.

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