Venom Strikes » 2012 Spring Training

Gregorius Elbow Injury to Sideline Him for Good Portion of Spring Training

Michael Jenkins — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:15:48 +0000

When the Diamondbacks acquired shortstop Didi Gregorius from the Cincinnati Reds in the Trevor Bauer trade, many believed that he would be the shortstop of the future for the franchise. Any hopes that the future might be now were put on hold today when it was revealed that the 22-year-old has been shut down for the past month with persistent elbow issues.

Sep 20, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Darwin Barney (15) is forced out by Cincinnati Reds shortstop Didi Gregorius during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. The Reds won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Gregorius was examined by the D’backs team physician, Dr. Michael Lee, who suggested that he limit all activity for four weeks after feeling pain during a January throwing session. According to the Bickley and MJ show on Xtra Sports 910 in Phoenix, the problem is with the ulnar collateral ligament in Gregorius’ throwing elbow and while surgery will not be ordered on the elbow now, that it may be an option if it doesn’t heal in the future.

GM Kevin Towers feels that this will only be a temporary delay for the Dutch product and expects him to begin playing games towards the end of Spring Training if all goes well with a throwing program that will be implemented during the beginning of Spring Training.

Veterans Willie Bloomquist and Cliff Pennington will attempt to take advantage of Gregorius’ absence as they will split most of the time at shortstop during the time that the slick fielding shortstop will be sidelined.

Diamondbacks Sign Barajas to Minor League Deal

Michael Jenkins — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:13:55 +0000

The Diamondbacks signed veteran catcher Rod Barajas to a minor league deal on Sunday. The 37-year-old Barajas will get a chance to compete for the backup catcher job with Wil Nieves as they battle to backup starting catcher Miguel Montero this season.

Barajas is back with the team which he began his major league career. Barajas played in Arizona from 1999-2003 and in those years with the D’backs, Barajas hit .219 with 11 home runs and 66 RBI’s over five seasons in the desert.

Apr. 17, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Rod Barajas swings against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The 14-year veteran has played with seven other organizations, spending last season in Pittsburgh. He hit .206 with 11 home runs and 31 RBI’s in 104 games with the Pirates last season.

Five Diamondbacks Prospects Land on MLB.com’s Top 100 List

Michael Jenkins — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:46:16 +0000

The Arizona Diamondbacks future looks bright as five prospects were named to the prestigious MLB.com’s Top 100 Prospects list released today.

Sep 20, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Didi Gregorius hits a RBI single against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Skaggs (10), Archie Bradley (24), Didi Gregorious (63), Matt Davidson (77) and Adam Eaton (99) all were named to the talented group of prospects released late this afternoon.

Skaggs, Gregorious and Eaton all have a chance to make the team out of Spring Training with Eaton and Skaggs having the best chances to make a big impact this season. Gregorious has an outside shot to win the shortstop position, but he and Davidson will most likely start the season at Class AAA Reno. Bradley will most likely begin the season at Class AA Mobile.

Sept. 18, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Adam Eaton (6) slides into third base during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks beat the Padres 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Congratulations to the prospects involved and congratulations to the Arizona Diamondbacks for getting five players named to this prestigious list today.