San Francisco, CA
Christian Walker traveling with Diamondbacks to San Francisco
PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed first baseman Christian Walker would travel with the club to San Francisco for their three-game series against the Giants starting on Tuesday.
Walker has been on the injured list since June 30 with an oblique strain, and his return appears to be fast approaching.
Before the game, Lovullo said Walker would not necessarily need a second rehab game after the veteran played five innings at Salt River Fields on Saturday. He took ground balls before each of the last two games at Chase Field and has been facing live pitching and hitting off the Trajekt machine — which mimics MLB pitchers.
Walker told Arizona Sports on Monday he was hopeful to play in San Francisco.
The veteran has a .254/.338/.476 batting line, 23 home runs and 71 RBIs this season as Arizona’s everyday cleanup hitter when healthy.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. remains day-to-day
Lovullo said outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who left Sunday’s game with left calf tightness, will travel to San Francisco and undergo imaging on Tuesday morning.
Gurriel is still considered day-to-day until Lovullo receives more information on his test results. Gurriel did not enter Monday’s 11-6 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, as Pavin Smith started in left field.
Drey Jameson update
The idea of having pitcher Drey Jameson — who has missed this season after Tommy John surgery — get reps in the Arizona Fall League has been discussed internally, Lovullo said pregame.
“I think he’s thrown 11 bullpens to date on a Tuesday-Friday schedule, and we’ll resume that again tomorrow,” Lovullo said. “We’ve been discussing (Jameson pitching this fall). I think it’s a possibility, for sure.”