Diamondbacks Prospect Mitch Bratt Faces Injury Setback

Left-handed pitcher Mitch Bratt, regarded as one of the standout prospects in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ farm system, exited his game with Triple-A Reno on May 29 after just two innings due to back inflammation, as confirmed by farm director Chris Slivka. “I don’t think it’s really anything that should keep him out for an extended period of time,” Slivka stated. “Just a little inflammation that we want to let subside.”

The issue reportedly stems from an “awkward” throw Bratt made while fielding earlier this month. After undergoing an MRI, he managed to return to the mound last week in Oklahoma City, where he pitched five scoreless innings. However, he experienced “a little bit of discomfort” during his latest outing, leading the coaching staff to pull him from the game, according to Slivka.

Currently, Bratt is listed as day-to-day, with his next steps still uncertain regarding his scheduled start. Acquired from the Texas Rangers in the trade involving Merrill Kelly last July, Bratt has been impressive in the offensively charged Pacific Coast League, boasting a 2.68 ERA over 40.1 innings, with 38 strikeouts against just 11 walks and three home runs allowed.

In other news, the Diamondbacks are set to face the Mariners at T-Mobile Park at 7:10 p.m. tonight, with right-hander Ryne Nelson (2-3, 4.65 ERA) opposing Mariners' righty Bryan Woo (4-3, 3.82 ERA). Nelson recently delivered a career-best eight-inning performance, yielding only one run against the Rockies and has shown strong form this month with a 2.36 ERA across five starts.

Woo, on the other hand, faced some challenges in his last outing against the Royals but has generally been reliable, pitching at least six innings in eight of his eleven starts this season. Last year, the Diamondbacks scored five runs against him in a previous game.