The Arizona Diamondbacks are navigating a difficult stretch after catcher Gabriel Moreno was placed on the 10-day injured list following a fracture to his right index finger on June 14. This injury has prompted the Diamondbacks to strengthen their catching options as they remain just above .500 in the standings after a 4-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Sunday. The 2024 World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, continue to hold a firm lead in the NL West, adding pressure on Arizona to manage their roster carefully.
Injury Concerns Weigh Heavily on Diamondbacks’ Season
Arizona’s season has been hampered by an ongoing wave of injuries affecting key players. The troubles began with Ketel Marte’s hamstring strain, sidelining him for much of April. Pitchers Corbin Burnes and A.J. Puk also faced setbacks, each undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgeries. The Diamondbacks have since been seeking ways to keep their playoff hopes alive as these injuries have limited their on-field options.
James McCann Joins Diamondbacks to Fill Catcher Void
In response to Gabriel Moreno’s injury, the Diamondbacks signed veteran catcher James McCann, seeking experienced depth behind the plate. McCann, 35, who earned All-Star recognition in 2019 as a Chicago White Sox player, has not appeared in a major league game during the 2025 season. His last major league appearance was in October 2024 when he started for the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Wild Card series against the Kansas City Royals.
Throughout a 12-year major league career spanning five teams, McCann has struggled with a combination of injuries and inconsistent performance, limiting his playing time. Over 920 MLB games, he holds a career batting average of .241, with a .293 on-base percentage, .380 slugging percentage, and 92 home runs along with 373 RBIs. This season, he will make his Diamondbacks debut as the team travels to Chicago for a three-game series against the White Sox beginning Monday.
What This Means for Arizona Moving Forward
The addition of James McCann aims to stabilize the Diamondbacks’ catching position amidst ongoing injuries, including the loss of Gabriel Moreno. Arizona’s ability to manage these setbacks and maintain consistency will be critical as the team fights to remain competitive within the NL West. With the Dodgers currently dominating the division, every roster move carries significant importance for Arizona’s prospects this season.