SAN DIEGO — Gabriel Moreno’s push to claim a National League batting title hit a speed bump on Friday night, Sept. 25, when he exited the Diamondbacks’ 11-4 win over the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning with what manager Torey Lovullo described as a “tender” left hamstring.
But Lovullo said Moreno is expected to serve as the designated hitter on Saturday, Sept. 26, and that the injury did not rise to the level of requiring an MRI.
That said, Moreno’s status prompted the Diamondbacks to designate outfielder Jesus Sanchez for assignment, clearing the way to add another catcher to the roster — presumably Adrian Del Castillo — just in case.
Before exiting, Moreno went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles to raise his average to .311, putting him just
ahead of the Phillies’ Luis Arraez for tops in the National League. Arraez is hitting .310 and might not play again this season due to an ankle injury.
“I’m trying not to think about it,” Moreno said about winning a batting title. “I know as a team we’re in a really good spot. We’ve just got to find a way to keep winning and I’ll do everything possible to get out there and keep doing my job.”
As for his hamstring, Moreno said he started to feel it “pinch” while scoring on Geraldo Perdomo’s bases-clearing double in the top of the sixth.
“I’m good,” Moreno said. “I’ll be ready for tomorrow.”
He added: “Going to see how I feel tomorrow, but, definitely, I will play.”
The second game of the final regular-season series begins at 5:40 p.m., Saturday at Petco Park.
Moreno is aiming to become the first catcher to win a batting title since Buster Posey won one for the San Francisco Giants in 2012. No Diamondbacks' hitter has ever won a batting title.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Will injury hurt Diamondbacks Gabriel Moreno batting title chance?
