Arenado Rejoins Diamondbacks Lineup for Giants Game
Nolan Arenado was a late addition to Arizona's lineup for Friday's game against San Francisco, starting at third base and batting fifth. He had been scratched Thursday due to right thumb inflammation, a separate issue from the intercostal injury he suffered in mid-August. Arenado is tied for the team lead with 21 home runs this season.
Arenado's return comes after he was pulled from Thursday's lineup with right thumb inflammation, a condition unrelated to the torso injury he sustained against Atlanta on August 16. The 35-year-old has appeared in most games this season despite managing multiple ailments, and his presence at third base provides stability for a club navigating a crowded NL Wild Card race.
The Diamondbacks enter Friday's contest following a loss in the series opener, with recently recalled starter Kohl Drake taking the mound. Arizona's lineup features several regulars, including Corbin Carroll and Gabriel Moreno, as the team looks to build momentum against a Giants club that has struggled recently. Arenado's 21 home runs tie him for the team lead.
This lineup change may offer a modest psychological boost to Diamondbacks fans tracking a tight playoff race, as Arenado's availability signals the team's core remains intact during a critical stretch. For casual observers, the recurring nature of his injuries could raise broader questions about player durability late in careers, though the quick return suggests the club is managing his workload carefully. The outcome may influence fan engagement as September approaches.