Diamondbacks avoid disaster after Gabriel Moreno's injury scare heading into NLCS

With the Arizona Diamondbacks blasting their way through the Brewers and Dodgers to get to the NLCS, most of the vibes in Arizona are overwhelmingly good. The DBacks are playing their best baseball of the season at exactly the right time and are just four wins away from a World Series appearance. However, there was cause for concern coming out of the NLCS regarding Gabriel Moreno.

Moreno put together a stellar 2023 season after Arizona acquired him from the Blue Jays where he slashed .284/.339/.408 and accumulated 4.3 rWAR in 2023. He was also a key source of offense for the Diamondbacks in their triumph over the Dodgers. However, in Game Three, he got hit on his hand by an errant bunt attempt and ended up having to leave the game.

Fortunately for the Diamondbacks, it appears as though he will be at full strength for the upcoming NLCS against the Phillies as X-rays on Moreno's hand were negative and everyone seems to think he will be good to go.

Diamondbacks have a real shot with Gabriel Moreno healthy

Most of the attention given to the Diamondbacks this season has centered on Corbin Carroll and Zac Gallen and that is reasonable enough. However, Moreno's value at the plate and in the field at a position that makes the offense AND defense go cannot be overstated. If Arizona were to lose Moreno for the NLCS and beyond, it would have been nothing short of a disaster.

Fortunately, it looks like Arizona dodged that bullet and Moreno will be behind the plate when the NLCS starts against the Phillies. Both teams are playing at a high level right now and while Moreno may be a bit sore, having him in the lineup and calling games gives Arizona a fighting chance to defy the odds again and potentially become World Series champions.