Arizona Diamondbacks: No structural damage in Goldschmidt’s right elbow

Paul Goldschmidt of the Arizona Diamondbacks remains out of the line with right elbow inflammation.

While the news was comforting, there is still a great deal of caution. That’s the assessment from the Arizona Diamondbacks clubhouse, and the condition of first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, their MVP candidate.

Before Monday’s game with the Dodgers, Goldschmidt left the team and returned to Phoenix for an MRI on a sore right elbow. After the test was administrated by Arizona team physician Dr. Gary Waslewski, the result showed inflammation in the elbow, but no structural damage.

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Following the MRI, Goldschmidt retuned to the Diamondbacks in Dodger Stadium, and told Call to the Pen that the result was comforting. While there is a residual effect of discomfort, the overall outlook is positive. At the same time, manager Torey Lovullo told Call to the Pen before Tuesday’s game against the Dodgers that he is the decision-maker. In that regard, Lovullo kept Goldschmidt out of the starting lineup Tuesday, although he was available off the bench.

For his part, Goldschmidt told Call to the Pen that he is first to adhere to the team’s medical direction.

"“The result was what the trainers and doctors thought,” he said standing in front of his locker. “I’m honest with them, but at the same time, I want to play. I feel better, and I can’t see where the pain flares up. It could be after one swing, three swings or not at all.”"

Going forward, Goldschmidt has a limited green light, and Lovullo is the first to recognize that his approach is careful and measured. At this point, the Diamondbacks clearly want Goldschmidt healthy for the post-season, but Lovullo said the team is not planning that far in advance. Acknowledging a plethora of contributions from several this season, Lovullo told Call to the Pen he has confidence in any player penciled in the line-up.

"“Look, we know (Goldschmidt) wants to play, and that’s who he is,” Lovullo said before Tuesday’s game. “I’m the one keeping him out of the lineup. It’s also a time for guys to step forward and fill the void.”"

In addition to undergoing an MRI, Goldschmidt also received a cortisone injection and the Diamondbacks are waiting the effect of this shot to wear down. For that reason, Lovullo told Call to the Pen that Goldschmidt is out of the starting line-up Tuesday, and will be further accessed before the series finale Wednesday night in Dodger Stadium.

"“That was great news and what we hoped would be the outcome,” Lovullo said. “I had a conversation with (Goldschmidt before Tuesday’s game) and we’ll talk again before Wednesday’s game. I’ll see how’s he is doing during the course (of Tuesdays game) and make sure he is comfortable.”"

For Tuesday night, left-handed hitting Daniel Descalso was in Arizona line-up at first base and hitting sixth against Dodgers’ lefty Hyun-Ji Ryu.

The day after

Following his record-tying four home run effort against the Dodgers Monday night, J. D. Martinez is not ready to give “history” away.

The Hall of Fame in Cooperstown called and requested the bat used. Martinez respectfully said no, and told Call to the Pen before Tuesday’s game, “I might give it to them after the World Series.”

Next: Martinez slams four home runs

Manager Torey Lovullo went a step beyond. In his pre-game session with the media prior to Tuesday’s game, Lovullo pointed out that “any time the Hall of Fame wants something, it has to be pretty special.”