Shoulder issue clouds Collmenter's status for opening day
MESA, Ariz. -- A day after he gave Josh Collmenter a vote of confidence, Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale said the struggling reliever could start the season on the disabled list after an issue with his shoulder cropped up last weekend.
Collmenter gave up five runs in three innings Sunday in a split-squad game against the Rangers and afterward said he felt tightness in his right shoulder to the point he couldn't fully extend his arm, Hale said Wednesday before the D-backs played the A's.
"Is he going to start the season with us, on the DL?" Hale said of Collmenter, who was shut down from throwing for a couple days. "That's a decision we have to make."
Collmenter has given up 14 runs and 17 hits in 13 innings this spring. Tests on the shoulder found some mild inflammation, Hale said.
The D-backs' decision to start the season with 12 pitchers leaves one spot in the bullpen up for grabs, but a DL stint for Collmenter would open another. Right-handers Evan Marshall, Enrique Burgos, Jake Barrett and Silvino Bracho are in contention as Monday's season opener quickly approaches.
Collmenter was the D-backs' opening day starter a year ago but was moved to the bullpen in mid-June. He had a 4.15 ERA as a starter and a 1.89 ERA after the move.
