Sun Feb 22 19:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Diamondbacks Face Injury Woes and Roster Uncertainty Heading into 2026 Season

The Story:
The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing a challenging start to the 2026 season, plagued by a series of injuries and roster uncertainties. Key players like catcher/first baseman Adrian Del Castillo and outfielder Corbin Carroll are set to miss significant time during Spring Training, casting doubt on their availability for Opening Day. These injuries expose a lack of depth in the team’s position player roster, forcing the Diamondbacks to explore trade options for a utility piece. The pitching rotation also faces questions beyond the established trio of Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, and Ryne Nelson, with several pitchers vying for the remaining spots.

Key Points:

  • Adrian Del Castillo is expected to miss the bulk of Spring Training due to a left calf injury.
  • Corbin Carroll is recovering from hamate surgery and will miss most of Spring Training.
  • Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is still recovering from an ACL injury sustained last summer.
  • The Diamondbacks traded Blaze Alexander to Baltimore for reliever Kade Strowd and minor leaguers, creating a need for a utility player.
  • Merrill Kelly has been named the Opening Day starter.
  • Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, and Michael Soroka are competing for the remaining rotation spots.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Diamondbacks’ early season performance will be heavily influenced by their ability to manage injuries and find adequate replacements.
  • The team’s lack of position player depth is a significant concern, particularly in the absence of key starters.
  • The pitching rotation remains unsettled beyond the top three starters, creating a potential vulnerability.
  • The Diamondbacks are actively seeking to bolster their roster through trades, indicating a proactive approach to addressing their weaknesses.
  • The team’s success will depend on the performance of its top players and the emergence of unproven talent.

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