Arizona Diamondbacks' Pavin Smith to Miss Season After Suffering a Sprained MCL

Key Details:

• Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Pavin Smith underwent an MRI on Monday that revealed a sprained MCL in his right knee.
• Smith suffered the injury during a fielding drill on Sunday.
• The Diamondbacks placed Smith on the 10-day injured list and expect him to miss the remainder of the 2023 season.

Injury Details and Timeline:

Smith underwent an MRI on Monday after experiencing pain and discomfort in his right knee following a fielding drill on Sunday. The MRI confirmed a sprained MCL, which is a ligament that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia).

The Diamondbacks have placed Smith on the 10-day injured list and expect him to miss the remainder of the 2023 season. The recovery time for a sprained MCL typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.

Impact on the Diamondbacks:

Smith's injury is a significant blow to the Diamondbacks, who were counting on him to be a key contributor in the middle of their lineup. Smith was hitting .263 with 4 home runs and 16 RBIs in 50 games this season.

With Smith out, the Diamondbacks will likely turn to Christian Walker or Seth Beer to fill the void at first base. Walker is a veteran who has been productive in the past, but he has struggled this season, hitting just .219 with 4 home runs and 16 RBIs in 46 games.

Smith's Future:

Smith is expected to make a full recovery from his sprained MCL and be ready for the start of the 2024 season. He is a talented young player with a bright future, and the Diamondbacks will be eager to get him back in the lineup next year.