Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies: Trio of players ready for rehab assignment

D-Backs Trio Nearing Return from Injury

Three Diamondbacks will begin their rehab assignments with Triple-A Reno on August 12th, manager Torey Lovullo announced. Catcher Gabriel Moreno, first baseman Pavin Smith, and infielder Ildemaro Vargas are all expected to join the team in a staggered return following the road trip to Texas and Colorado.

"I wouldn't say everybody on one day, but we could sprinkle it in there around the same time," Lovullo said.

All three have been actively participating in various game settings at Salt River Fields and complex games recently. Moreno has been sidelined since June 14th with a fractured right index finger, Smith since July 5th with an oblique strain, and Vargas since June 24th with a broken bone in his right foot.

Pfaadt Looks to Continue Strong Pitching Against Rockies

The Diamondbacks face the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field on Friday afternoon. RHP Brandon Pfaadt (11-7, 5.02) takes the mound for Arizona against Colorado's RHP Tanner Gordon (2-4, 6.59). Pfaadt bounced back from a rough outing in Detroit with a solid performance against the Padres last time out, allowing just two runs over 5⅔ innings.

He will be looking to improve on his lone start against the Rockies this season, where he gave up four runs in five innings at Coors Field on June 22nd. Pfaadt has also found success with his cutter since adding it to his repertoire on June 17th, holding opponents to a .146 batting average against the pitch.

Gordon, meanwhile, has struggled in his last two outings, allowing 13 earned runs over just 5⅔ innings. He was roughed up by the Diamondbacks at Chase Field last season, failing to escape the first inning and giving up four runs (three earned) while recording only two outs.

Upcoming Series: Rangers Visit Arizona

After facing the Rockies, the Diamondbacks welcome the Texas Rangers to Chase Field for a three-game series starting on August 11th.