Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder David Peralta is dealing with a wrist injury. Though there’s no structural damage, it’s unclear when he will return to the field.
Continue for updates.
Peralta Out vs. Giants
Friday, May 13
The Diamondbacks announced Peralta will not be in Friday’s starting lineup against San Francisco.
Peralta Provides Diamondbacks with Underrated Bat
This is a setback for Peralta, especially since he battled his way to the major league level and was looking to become a household name in 2016.
Tony Blengino of ESPN.com called Peralta “the game’s most unknown—and unlikely—star” in a piece before the season because he started as a pitcher but never made it past the rookie-level Appalachian League. However, he reinvented himself as an outfielder and had a breakout campaign in 2015.
Peralta appeared to turn the corner in that 2015 season and hit .312 with 17 home runs and 78 RBI. According to ESPN.com, he posted an impressive 3.7 offensive WAR and an .893 OPS, and many expected him to be a critical part of Arizona’s push toward the playoffs in 2016.
Thus far, he is hitting .260 with three home runs in 2016.
Peralta is versatile enough to play all three outfield spots if needed, which gives manager Chip Hale the ability to mix and match his lineup choices.
The Diamondbacks won’t enjoy that luxury while Peralta is out, but they still have Paul Goldschmidt to anchor the offense and a strong pitching staff that features Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller.
With Chris Owings manning center field, Arizona will likely turn to Brandon Drury, Rickie Weeks Jr. or Yasmany Tomas to fill in for Peralta on the corners.
Arizona has enough depth to survive this injury, but it could use Peralta back and healthy to bolster what is already a promising lineup.
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