Randal Grichuk to IL, Eduardo Rodriguez Begins Throwing Program

A couple of key injury updates from manager Torey Lovullo heading into Opening Day

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez makes his debut against the Texas Rangers during a Spring Training Game at Salt River Fields. / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo gave a couple of updates on injured players. Outfielder Randal Grichuk will begin the year on the 10-day injured list and left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez has begun his throwing program. Both players could return to action sooner rather than later.

Rodriguez suffered a left lat strain throwing warm-up pitches in the second inning of last week's game against the Chicago Cubs. He'll begin the season on the 15-day injured list, but it could be a short stint depending on how he progresses. He's already throwing out to 60 feet and is feeling great according to Lovullo.

"We're going to continue to evaluate him," said Lovullo. "If he's asymptomatic, keep pushing with him. I don't know what his timetable will be."

Rodriguez was signed to form a veteran bridge from the top two starters, Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, with a younger back half of the rotation. While he is on the mend, the D-backs will start fellow left-hander Tommy Henry in his place. Additionally, the team had reportedly agreed to sign left-hander Jordan Montgomery to a short-term deal. Lovullo and general manager Mike Hazen declined to comment on that topic today.

Grichuk is still recovering from offseason ankle surgery, but could require the minimal number of days on the IL before returning. He did not participate in any major league Spring Training games, but will start a rehab assignment soon. He will play a Double-A Spring Training game at Salt River today before playing the weekend with Triple-A Reno.

"We've got a schedule scripted out to play some of the outfields. That's center field, DH, play left, play right. When he gets to us, he's ready to go."

Grichuk is expected to play a part-time role, starting in the outfield and as the designated hitter against left-handed pitching. 55-60% of his plate appearances will come against lefties, who he crushed last season to a .328/.388/.607 slash in 134 plate appearances.