Diamondbacks Unexpectedly Lose Key Pitcher to Injury Once Again

The Arizona Diamondbacks' pitching staff has sustained yet another injury blow. This one is unexpected and brutal.

Right-hander Michael Soroka, who had just returned from a lengthy stint on the injured list back on August 10, will be headed back to the IL.

As first reported by MLB.com's Steve Gilbert, Soroka is dealing with right arm inflammation. Right-handed reliever Gerardo Carrillo is expected to be recalled to take Soroka's spot, though the D-backs will need another starting pitcher soon enough.

Michael Soroka to land on IL again

Aug 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Michael Soroka (34) throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Soroka's most recent start on Saturday night was one of the worst of his season so far. He only managed to complete 3.1 innings and was tagged for six earned runs.

It was clear, at the time, that Soroka's command had completely abandoned him. It is not known as of this writing when Soroka's injury first arose, but that could potentially explain the uncharacteristically poor outing Saturday night.

Soroka has pitched 95.1 innings this year after signing a one-year contract this offseason. He's been one of Arizona's best arms, with a 3.40 ERA that had inflated from 2.92 after Saturday's blowup.

The issue for Soroka throughout his career, however, has been health. That has bit the Diamondbacks twice. He spent about six weeks down with a glute strain suffered on June 19, and — depending on severity — may not have enough time to ramp back up from this injury.

Arizona is going to have to fill Soroka's spot with a new starting pitcher once his turn in the rotation comes back up. One of either left-hand rookie Kohl Drake or righty Jose Cabrera could be the incoming recall.

The Diamondbacks' rotation has sustained blow after blow. They've lost Ryne Nelson, Zac Gallen and now Soroka twice. Merrill Kelly has struggled. Corbin Burnes suffered a setback that pushed his return timeline well beyond the anticipated All-Star Break date.

Diamondbacks to recall Gerardo Carrillo

Aug 16, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Gerardo Carrillo (68) pitches the ball against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Carrillo was a promising young relief option. The minor league journeyman made his MLB debut at 27 years old with the D-backs back on July 22. He earned his first major league win in wild fashion two games later.

Carrillo has impressive stuff, with a high-90s fastball and sharp splitter. He can also pitch multiple innings if needed.

The righty held an 0.66 ERA through 13.2 innings, but was optioned to Triple-A on August 17 — a mostly unpopular decision among D-backs fans.

In the minor leagues, Carrillo has a 4.06 ERA. That is a well above average number for the offense-heavy Pacific Coast League.

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