Diamondbacks Recall Catcher James McCann

The Diamondbacks activated veteran catcher James McCann from the 10‑day injured list on Monday, July 6, swapping him for rookie Adrian Del Castillo who was optioned to Triple‑A Reno. McCann has missed 41 games since straining his right quad on May 19 and has been cleaning up his bat at the minor league level. The move gives Arizona an experienced backstop heading into a busy July schedule.

McCann’s rehab stint in Reno produced a modest 0 for 12 line with two strikeouts, but he is still expected to add depth behind the plate. In the latter half of 2025 he posted a .260/.324/.431 slash with five home runs in just 41 games, a performance that should boost the catching tandem. His .203/.217/.254 average with the D‑Backs at the time of the injury underscores the urgency of bringing him back.

Del Castillo, meanwhile, saw a brief two‑run homer in Saturday’s 4‑3 win over Milwaukee, a highlight in an otherwise rough season. After missing all of spring training with a calf problem, he has logged 151 at‑bats this year, compiling a .185/.244/.311 line and five home runs. The youngster’s difficulties will keep him at Triple‑A as the club searches for consistency at the catcher position.

Padres Series Preview

Diamondbacks at Padres, 6:40 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34

RHP Brandon Pfaadt (1‑1, 5.40) gets the start for Arizona against Padres righty Walker Buehler (5‑4, 4.61). Pfaadt returns after a stint in Reno, allowing one run in 5⅓ innings on his last outing, though he’s still limiting his pitch count to around 80. Buehler struggled in early July, giving up nine runs in four innings before July 4, but has relied heavily on his cutter.

The two have not squared off this season; Buehler last faced the Diamondbacks in relief for the Phillies, posting a scoreless line over 3⅔ innings. The D‑Backs are fresh off a three‑game set with Milwaukee, while the Padres will try to bounce back after their own recent loss.

Upcoming Contests

Tuesday, July 7 pits Zac Gallen (3‑8, 6.36) versus a yet‑to‑be‑named Padres starter in San Diego. Wednesday features Jose Cabrera (0‑1, 4.73) against Michael King (5‑7, 3.52). Thursday wraps the road trip with Merrill Kelly (6‑8, 5.71) taking on Griffin Canning (1‑6, 6.71). All three games air on Cox channel 34 at 6:40 p.m. local time.