Chris Owings out with broken finger

Chris Owings had to be lifted from today’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals in the second inning, after being hit on the hand while trying to bunt a pitch. Adding insult to injury, like when J.D. Martinez was hit on the hand, it resulted in a strike. Unfortunately not like Martinez, it appears there was significant damage here. Owings was diagnosed with a broken middle finger on his right hand, and has returned to Phoenix. The team has not yet announced a replacement, who would be needed by the Diamondbacks on Tuesday, when they start a series in Chicago against the Cubs. Ildemaro Vargas is probably the most likely contender.

With Nick Ahmed already out, this stretches our middle infield depth even thinner, and probably means a regular pairing of Ketel Marte at short with Brandon Drury at second base. There is now less than 24 hours to go until the trade deadline tomorrow, so it will also be interesting to see if the team tries to swing a deal for any kind of rental replacement. We don’t have any word on how long Owings will be out for - that will depend greatly on the specific extent of the injury - but he may not be able to come back before the end of the regular season.