Arizona Diamondbacks-Greinke likely done for the season
By Joseph Jacquez
An MRI showed no structural damage to Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Zack Greinke’s stiff right shoulder.
It’s likely taht Zack Grienke of the Arizona Diamondbacks will not pitch again this season . Manager Chip Hale announced the news before Saturday night’s game against the Orioles. That means Greinke will not pitch in Washington nor the season finale next Sunday at home against San Diego.
After undergoing an MRI on September 23 in Phoenix, Greinke did not travel with the Diamondbacks to Baltimore.
Though MRI revealed no structural damage on his right shoulder, Hale does not want to risk further injury. Coming into play Monday against the Nationals, the Diamondbacks gave seven games remaining on their schedule. .
"“I think if he doesn’t start Tuesday, there’s probably a good chance he doesn’t start again,” Hale said. “That’s my opinion right now. We’ll have to get some input from the doctors and [trainer] Ken [Crenshaw]. From that, it’s just hard to believe he’s going to be able to start on [Oct. 2]. Just is it worth it.”More from Diamondbacks NewsWhat is the Rule 5 Draft? How does it impact Diamondbacks?Former Diamondbacks SP Robbie Ray wins AL CY Young!Bannister the bench coach, yet another great hire by the DiamondbacksThe king of Chase Field should be signed by the DiamondbacksThe Goat has come to the Diamondbacks to save the day"
Greinke first experienced stiffness last time out against the Padres in San Diego on Sept. 21 . He still pitched six innings, gave up up two earned runs on two hits, walked four and struck out seven hitters.
In his first season with the Diamondbacks, Greinke was anything but an ace. After signing a $206.5 million dollar contract as a free agent in the off-season, Greinke compiled a 4.37 ERA in 26 starts. A higher walk rate, lower strikeout rate, and poor command contributed to his regression.
Finding a pitch mix that will work at Chase Field will be a priority for the 2017 season. He complied a 4.81 ERA in 78.2 IP at home this season compared with a 3.94 road ERA.
Replacing Greinke in the Rotation
The Diamondbacks need a starter to take the place of Greinke. Hale named three candidates that could get the ball on Tuesday in Washington. These include, left-hander Patrick Corbin, right-hander Zack Godley and right-hander Matt Koch.
Hale indicated use bullpen personnel over the next couple of days will determine who takes the ball against the Nationals.
Koch and Godley are viable candidates, but many believe Corbin deserves the start. Despite his demotion to the bullpen earlier in the season, the Diamondbacks view Corbin as a long-term fixture in their rotation.. Corbin held opponents scoreless in four straight outings, and six of his last seven. Opposing batters are hitting .146 against him in his last 14.1 IP.
Corbin seems to regain command of his fastball. In recent outings, the native of Clay, N. Y. was getting ahead in the court and appeared to throw his slider with confidence.
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Corbin’s arm is strong enough for at least five innings. A start would be considered wise, and offer look into the 2017 season.