Diamondbacks RF Kole Calhoun Set to Have Knee Surgery

Kole Calhoun with the Los Angeles Angels. Photo by Peter Joneleit/CSM/Shutterstock (10363736j)

The Arizona Diamondbacks learned some unfortunate news this week after an MRI test showed that starting right fielder Kole Calhoun has a meniscus tear.

According to Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo, Calhoun suffered the injury during the offseason training and will require surgery. As a result, the 33-year-old veteran might be forced to miss Opening Day of the 2021 MLB season next month.

“Obviously concerned,” said Lovullo when asked how he feels about Calhoun’s absence. “I don’t want to sugarcoat that, but I know it’s going to give an opportunity to some other guys, and I’m excited about that as well.”

Calhoun was one of Arizona’s top performers last season, leading the team with 16 home runs. He batted .226 while adding 40 RBIs in 58 games.

If Calhoun misses significant time, the Diamondbacks are expected to fill the void in-house. This could mean more opportunities for some of their youngsters, including their 2017 draft picks Pavin Smith and Daulton Varsho.

Kole Calhoun spent most of his MLB career with the LA Angels, playing eight years for the franchise. He came to Arizona as a free agent last offseason, inking a two-year, $16 million deal.

Calhoun, a Golden Glove Award winner in 2015, has a .248 career batting average to go with 156 homers and 491 RBIs.