D-Backs’ Calhoun to undergo surgery
Right fielder Kole Calhoun will have surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, the Diamondbacks said, a potentially painful blow for a club that leaned heavily on Calhoun’s production last season.
The club did not offer a timetable for Calhoun’s return, but other major leaguers who have suffered similar injuries have missed at least four to six weeks. The injury likely means Calhoun will not be ready for the Diamondbacks’ season opener on April 1.
“He is such an important part of this team,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “But, as I have been (saying) to my staff, it’s an opportunity for somebody else to step up. We’ll tell Kole, basically, we’ve got you until you get back. I think that’s going to be our mind-set.”
Calhoun was the Diamondbacks’ most productive hitter last season, his first with the organization. He hit .226/ .338/.526 with a team-leading 16 home runs. No other Diamondbacks player hit more than seven homers.
The Diamondbacks do not have an obvious successor in right field. Instead, they appear to have a variety of players who could compete for playing time, including Tim Locastro, Pavin Smith, Daulton Varsho, Josh VanMeter, Trayce Thompson and Josh Rojas.
Infielders Andrew Young and Wyatt Mathisen are two other possibilities. Young already has played the outfield this spring and Mathisen is expected to, as well, meaning both could potentially play their way into consideration.
Smith might be the most logical choice. A former first-round pick, he impressed the organization with his play at the alternate site last year. He is known for having a mature, patient approach at the plate. He has improved his mobility in recent years, giving the organization more faith in his ability to play the outfield, and his arm is strong enough for right field.
“We got some guys that can do it,” Lovullo said. “They’re going to get that opportunity. It’s up to them to take advantage of that opportunity.”
Lovullo did not know how Calhoun suffered the injury but said it apparently happened during the offseason. Calhoun had been dealing with inflammation in the knee in recent days, Lovullo said.
Calhoun was unavailable for comment. He is expected to speak with reporters on Thursday.
This is the third time in the past four years the Diamondbacks will go into a season without their anticipated starting right fielder.
The club lost Steven Souza Jr. to shoulder and knee injuries in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Short hops
Left-hander Madison Bumgarner is expected to make his Cactus League debut on Thursday vs. the Angels at Salt River Fields.
Young has been known as “Andy Young” since the Diamondbacks acquired him in the Paul Goldschmidt trade, but he asked to be referred to as “Andrew Young” starting this spring.