PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Kendall Graveman was in the clubhouse at Chase Field before Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and all signs point to his return coming this week at the San Francisco Giants.
Graveman pitched two rehab games for Triple-A Reno this week, and his return will provide needed depth to the bullpen for a key series against another division rival.
The D-backs begin a three-game set at Oracle Park on Monday night.
“ I know a guy and it’s a really good sign,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “He’s checked every box possible, so he is here. You guys saw him in the clubhouse. I don’t want to deny that. We feel good about it happening here sooner than later.”
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Graveman signed a one-year deal worth $1.35 million at the start of spring training. A back issue popped up during camp, which kept him out of Cactus League play. The D-backs placed him on the injured list with a lumbar strain to open the season.
The right-hander has not pitched in a major league setting since September 2023, as he missed all of last season due to shoulder surgery.
He built a strong track record before then, however. From 2021-23, Graveman made 186 appearances with a 2.74 ERA and 24 saves.
Graveman threw two scoreless innings with Reno with one hit allowed and one strikeout. On Friday, his sinker sat at 95 mph on average, one tick down from his average in 2023.
He also threw a slider, changeup and four-seamer.
“Excited to be back and felt good, so thankful,” Graveman told Triple-A Reno after his first outing. “I want to help win at the big league level. I trained really hard and prepared, coming back from shoulder surgery. I’ve been watching them when I’m at home, the offense is amazing. The pitching staff has been doing a great job, we’re flirting around .500, so we can go on a little run here.”
Kendall Graveman Fires Scoreless Inning in Reno's 11-3 Win Over Las Vegas
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— Reno Aces (@Aces) May 8, 2025
The Diamondbacks’ bullpen has been unsettled since April 17, A.J. Puk’s last outing. Puk landed on the 15-day IL with left elbow inflammation a couple days later and has since been placed on the 60-day IL. He is expected to begin throwing again soon.
At the same time, co-closer Justin Martinez dealt with right shoulder fatigue, was down for five games, returned, experienced a velocity drop and eventually landed on the IL on May 1.
Martinez threw a bullpen at Chase Field on Sunday, a positive sign that he can return soon after the 15 days are up.
D-backs relievers since April 18 have a combined 6.11 ERA, fourth worst in MLB.
Graveman gives the D-backs another option with high leverage experience before Martinez gets back.
The team has yet to announce any roster moves, as it will need to clear a spot on the 26-man squad.
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