MLB Rumors: Red Sox’s Potential First Base Trade Target Injured

If it wasn’t for bad luck, the Diamondbacks wouldn’t have any luck at all. Arizona is nursing injuries to three key players who could be trade deadline targets, one of whom is a potential first base upgrade for the Red Sox.

Josh Naylor hurt his shoulder Monday in the Diamondbacks’ 10-0 win over the Chicago White Sox. It appeared to happen during his at-bat in the second inning, according to MLB.com’s Casey Drottar.

Naylor struck out and “grimaced” on his way back to the dugout, per Drottar. The 28-year-old slugger stayed in the game for two more innings, but left after grounding out in the fourth inning.

However Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said after the game Naylor plans to get back on the field Tuesday, according to Drottar.

Naylor would be a significant first-base upgrade for the Red Sox, who lost Triston Casas last month to a season-ending knee injury. Boston ask Rafael Devers to move from designated hitter to first base, but the three-time All-Star wanted no part of it, leading to the blockbuster five-player deal with the San Francisco Giants.

The 28-year-old Naylor set career highs last season with 31 home runs and 108 RBI, earning his first All-Star nod in the process.

This year, Naylor is hitting .303 with nine home runs and 51 RBI. He will be a free agent following the season.

Meanwhile, Arizona is hoping for good news regarding third baseman Eugenio Suarez, another potential trade chip who was hit by a pitch on his right hand Monday during his first-inning at-bat.

On top of that, the Diamondbacks learned Monday outfielder Corbin Carroll has a chip fracture in his left wrist which requires a stint on the injured list. That’s where he will join pitchers Corbin Burnes, Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk, all of whom went down earlier this month.

“I have not seen anything like this,” Lovullo said, per Drottar. “Usually, you have a bad week, or a bad month, or two guys in a 30-day period of time that will go down. But it’s just been one after another. It’s frustrating. I feel for the players. I feel for this team.”

The Diamondbacks (40-38) are in fourth place in the National League West, 7 1/2 games behind the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers. Arizona is 2 1/2 games back in the NL wild card race.