**SAD NEWS: Diamondbacks’ Michael McDermott Suffers Another Frustrating Injury Setback Before Opening Day**
PHOENIX, AZ — The Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitching staff has been dealt another blow as right-handed pitcher Michael McDermott has suffered a frustrating injury setback just days before Opening Day. McDermott, who had been showing promising signs in spring training, was expected to play a key role in the bullpen this season, but now faces an uncertain timeline for his return to the mound.
The news broke late Sunday afternoon when the Diamondbacks announced that McDermott had sustained a significant muscle strain in his throwing arm during a routine bullpen session. The injury is not the first for McDermott, who has battled various setbacks over the past few seasons, making this latest issue even more disheartening for the 28-year-old pitcher.
In a statement, Diamondbacks General Manager Mike Hazen expressed his frustration over the timing of the injury but emphasized the team’s focus on McDermott’s recovery. “We’re incredibly disappointed for Michael and for our team,” Hazen said. “He had worked extremely hard this spring and was in line for a crucial role with our bullpen. We’ll take a cautious approach in evaluating his injury and ensure that he gets the proper treatment and rehabilitation. His health and long-term success are the priorities.”
McDermott had been battling through some consistency issues in previous seasons but appeared to have found his rhythm this spring. His fastball velocity was up, and his breaking ball had looked sharper, impressing coaching staff and teammates alike. With Opening Day on the horizon, McDermott’s injury could leave a significant gap in the bullpen, a unit that was already considered a question mark heading into the new season.
The setback is particularly tough for McDermott, who has worked tirelessly to overcome past injuries. He spent a portion of last season recovering from a shoulder injury that limited his appearances and pushed back his development. After a strong winter of training, many were optimistic that McDermott could finally realize his potential as a key contributor to the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff.
Now, the team must once again wait and see if McDermott can return to form. The nature of the strain has not been fully disclosed, but sources within the organization suggest that McDermott could be sidelined for several weeks, at minimum. His absence would be a significant blow to a team looking to build on last season’s progress and make a playoff push in the highly competitive National League.
In the meantime, the Diamondbacks are expected to explore other bullpen options to fill the gap left by McDermott. Several pitchers in the minor leagues have impressed during spring training, and some could be called up to take his place in the short term. However, none of the current candidates bring the same mix of experience and potential that McDermott had brought to the table.
McDermott’s setback also raises concerns about the overall health of the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff, which has been riddled with injuries in recent years. The team will now have to lean even more heavily on established pitchers like Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, as well as some younger arms who will need to step up in McDermott’s absence.
Despite the frustration surrounding McDermott’s injury, the Diamondbacks remain hopeful that the talented right-hander will make a full recovery and return to the team when he is ready. In the meantime, they will continue to focus on the health of their roster and prepare for the start of the 2025 season, aiming to overcome this latest hurdle.
Fans and teammates alike are rallying behind McDermott, wishing him a swift recovery and hoping to see him back on the mound as soon as possible. For now, however, the Diamondbacks are left to navigate yet another frustrating chapter in their quest for a successful season.