The Arizona Diamondbacks are getting healthier. Manager Torey Lovullo provided some encouraging news on the status of right-handed reliever Kendall Graveman, catcher Jose Herrera, and left-handed reliever Jose Castillo. Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reported all the details.
Kendall Graveman (back) will throw live BP tomorrow after tossing a 22-pitch bullpen this weekend.
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) March 10, 2025
Jose Herrera is fine and won't miss any time after exiting yesterday's game (right wrist soreness).
Jose Castillo will throw a bullpen tomorrow.
Graveman was signed to a one-year deal in mid-February after missing all of 2024 recovering from a shoulder injury that required surgery. He was throwing live batting practice but felt discomfort in his low back. Imaging came back clean and he tossed a 22-pitch bullpen over the weekend. Graveman has had success as an eighth inning man throughout his career, which could be the role he has with the Diamondbacks. As a reliever, they don't have to worry about getting him stretched out and can get him a couple appearances going into the regular season.
Herrera was injured in a collision at the plate and left Sunday's game with right wrist soreness. With him not missing any time with the injury, he remains the favorite in the backup catcher battle. Of the three catchers competing for the backup job, Herrera has performed the best at the plate, hitting .353 with a .860 OPS. Due to his reputation as a solid defender behind the plate, he's the favorite to win the competition.
Castillo suffered a left adductor strain in his lone appearance this spring attempting to stretch for an errant throw. The injury has kept him out for close to three weeks before throwing once again. The process to return to action will be throwing a bullpen, then live BP before getting back into Cactus League action. While a spot in the Opening Day bullpen seems unlikely for Castillo at this point, he could come back in time to be ready to pitch for Triple-A Reno.