Diamondbacks' Adrian Del Castillo unlikely to be ready for Opening Day

Catcher and designated hitter dealing with left calf injury that could keep him out through March 26 season opener

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher and designated hitter Adrian Del Castillo is dealing with a left calf injury that could keep him out through the team's Opening Day game on March 26 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Torey Lovullo said Del Castillo will be out for most of spring training, and the club will reassess him closer to the start of the regular season.

Why it matters

Del Castillo is an important part of the Diamondbacks' lineup, and his potential absence for Opening Day could force the team to get creative with their designated hitter spot to fill out the lineup. The Diamondbacks are already dealing with other injury issues, including first baseman Tyler Locklear being out until at least mid-May.

The details

Del Castillo, a 26-year-old left-handed hitting catcher, made a strong first impression in 2024 by hitting .313 with an .893 OPS in 25 games. However, injuries limited him to 72 games total between the majors and minors last season, and his offensive production dipped to a .682 OPS with a high 35% strikeout rate. With Gabriel Moreno and James McCann ahead of him on the depth chart at catcher, Del Castillo's clearest path to playing time is as the team's designated hitter.

  • Opening Day is on March 26, as the D-backs will visit the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  • Del Castillo will be out for most of spring training, and the club will reassess him closer to the start of the regular season.

The players

Adrian Del Castillo

A 26-year-old catcher and designated hitter for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is dealing with a left calf injury that could keep him out through Opening Day.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Gabriel Moreno

A catcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks' organization who is likely ahead of Del Castillo on the depth chart.

James McCann

A catcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks' organization who is likely ahead of Del Castillo on the depth chart.

Tyler Locklear

A first baseman in the Arizona Diamondbacks' organization who will not be ready for Opening Day due to shoulder and elbow surgeries.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's doing things where he can, he's getting on his knees and throwing but not really stressing that left calf at all.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager (arizonasports.com)

“I would think so.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager (arizonasports.com)

“Just keep progressing.”

— Tyler Locklear (arizonasports.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.