Arizona Diamondbacks’ Carson Kelly, left, congratulates Christian Walker as he returns to the dugout after hiting a solo home run off Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland in the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Arizona Diamondbacks reinstated starting catcher Carson Kelly off of the 10-day injured list on Monday.
Additionally, the D-backs optioned catcher and outfielder Daulton Varsho to the Triple-A Reno Aces.
Kelly, who hasn’t played since May 13 due to a toe fracture, has the highest average on the team among players with at least 25 games played (.338) this season. He surpassed his 2020 home run mark (6) on April 27 and has 19 RBIs to go along with a 1.103 OPS in 2021.
His return to the lineup is a welcome sight for a D-backs squad on an eight-game losing streak entering play Monday. In the month of May, Arizona has posted a 4-18 record.
Despite the positive news, the D-backs are still plagued with injury, with the latest issue coming in Sunday’s loss to the Colorado Rockies. After just 1.2 innings of work, starting pitcher Taylor Widener was pulled from the matchup with a groin injury. It’s the same issue he was placed on the 10-day IL with originally.
In 19 games (10 starts) this season, Varsho is averaging .171 while slugging .244 with seven hits and two RBIs.
The D-backs will look to get back into the win column Tuesday night against the San Francisco Giants.
Tune to ESPN 620 AM at 6:40 p.m. for all the action.
