SEATTLE — Nolan Arenado was out of the lineup for the second consecutive game on Friday, May 29, but the Diamondbacks’ veteran third baseman said he was feeling much better and expected to start on Saturday in the second game of their series against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
Arenado exited the Diamondbacks’ 7-5 win over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night due to right groin tightness.
Manager Torey Lovullo said Arenado received treatment on his groin on Thursday’s off day and was expected to go through a full pregame workout on Friday evening.
“He’ll most likely be available off the bench today and in the lineup tomorrow,” Lovullo said. “That’s what we’re anticipating.”
Rehab updates on Corbin Burnes, Jordan Lawlar, et al
Right-hander Corbin Burnes threw 20 pitches in a live batting practice session on Friday, his first time facing hitters since undergoing elbow surgery last year, Lovullo said.
Burnes is expected to face hitters again on Tuesday as he continues to point toward a July return from the injured list.
One of the hitters Burnes faced was outfielder Jordan Lawlar, who is working his way back from a wrist fracture. Lawlar was expected to progress to a game in the Arizona Complex League on Saturday.
First baseman Pavin Smith shifted his rehab assignment to Triple-A Reno this week, getting four at-bats as the designated hitter on Wednesday night. He did not play on Thursday as planned, Lovullo said, because he was dealing with an illness. Depending on how he feels, Smith might serve as the DH again on Friday night for Reno.
Left-hander A.J. Puk, who is also working his way back from elbow surgery, made his second appearance in the complex league on Wednesday, throwing a scoreless inning, and was expected to pitch again on Saturday.
Diamondbacks at Mariners, 7:10 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (3-4, 4.80) vs. Mariners RHP George Kirby (5-4, 3.54).
At T-Mobile Park: Gallen gave up three runs in 5 1/3 innings against the Rockies in his most recent start, earning the win for the second outing in a row. … He got five whiffs on his slider, but only two on his fastball, a pitch with which he has been unable to miss bats this year. … Gallen has faced the Mariners twice, most recently in 2024, when he gave up three runs in five innings during a start in Seattle. He exited that game early due to a hamstring issue. … Kirby allowed five runs (three earned) in six innings against the Royals last week. He has worked at least six innings in seven of his 11 starts. … He was dominant in his lone career start against the Diamondbacks in 2024, firing seven scoreless innings of two-hit ball with one walk and 12 strikeouts. … Kirby is averaging a career-high 96.7 mph with his fastball. He has five other pitches, including a pair of breaking balls.
Coming up
Saturday, May 30: At Seattle, 7:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (2-3, 4.65) vs. Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (4-3, 3.82).
Sunday, May 31: At Seattle, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (5-3, 5.25) vs. Mariners RHP Bryce Miller (1-0, 2.25).
Monday, June 1: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (5-1, 2.31) vs. Dodgers RHP Emmet Sheehan (3-1, 4.70).
What to know about the Seattle Mariners
The Mariners completed a three-game sweep of the Athletics on Wednesday, May 27, to move to their record to 28-29, good enough, believe it or not, for first place in the American League West. Not all has gone according to plan for the Mariners this year. C Cal Raleigh, who smacked 60 homers last year, has only seven this year. On the injured list with an oblique injury, he was hitting just .161/.243/.317 through 41 games. The Mariners are also without 3B Brendan Donovan, their big offseason acquisition. He was off to a fast start (.274/.386/.452) through 25 games, but has twice landed on the injured list due to a groin strain. RHP Logan Gilbert has been dominant of late, not allowing a run in three of his past four starts, though he will not pitch in the Diamondbacks series. The series finale likely will be started by either RHP Bryce Miller or RHP Luis Castillo, who have been alternating in the fifth spot in the rotation.
(This story has been updated to add information.)
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks-Mariners live updates. Health update on Nolan Arenado
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