BOSTON — Third baseman Nolan Arenado was out of the Arizona Diamondbacks’ lineup for a second consecutive day as he deals with a left intercostal injury, but manager Torey Lovullo said the tentative plan was for Arenado to return to action in the series finale on Wednesday, Aug. 19, as the designated hitter.
“He’s getting very close,” Lovullo said. “We want him to continue to get a little more work with the trainers.”
Lovullo said there was a “strong possibility” that Arenado would start on Wednesday.
Arenado left the game on Sunday, Aug. 16, in Atlanta due to the injury and underwent an MRI on Monday, Aug. 17.
Diamondbacks at Red Sox, 4:10 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (8-10, 5.11) vs. Red Sox LHP Ranger Suarez (4-3, 3.25)
At Fenway Park: Kelly gave up six runs in five innings against the Rockies in his most recent start. He was working with diminished stuff, including a fastball that was down 1.4 mph from usual. … Kelly seemed to be rounding into form in July, when he notched a 1.95 ERA in five starts, but he has allowed 12 earned runs in 15⅔ innings in August. … Suarez, who signed with the Red Sox in the offseason, is having another of his typically strong seasons. Most recently, he gave up one run in five innings in a no-decision against the Blue Jays. … The Red Sox have won 12 of his 21 starts. … Opposing hitters are hitting just .209 with a 41.2 percent whiff rate on his curveball, which he throws about as often to lefties and righties.
Coming up
Wednesday, Aug. 19: At Boston, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (7-1, 3.11) vs. Red Sox LHP Payton Tolle (8-6, 2.97).
Thursday, Aug. 20: Off.
Friday, Aug. 21: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (12-4, 2.71) vs. Reds LHP Nick Lodolo (3-2, 4.52).
Saturday, Aug. 22: At Chase Field, 5:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Michael Soroka (8-3, 2.93) vs. Reds RHP Rhett Lowder (4-8, 5.17).
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks vs Red Sox live updates. Latest on Nolan Arenado's injury