Slumping, injured Diamondbacks veteran Carlos Santana playing blues originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Carlos Santana is playing the blues.  

Entering the weekend as the worst-qualified position player in the major leagues, Santana’s early struggles became more pronounced Sunday.   

The 17-year veteran exited Sunday’s series finale against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field, pulling up lame while running to first base on a single. The hit was his first since March 27, ending a 1-for-23 slump.  

Will it be his last before spending time on the injured list?  

Slugger Carlos Santana struggling, injured  

Facing Braves starter Martin Perez in the second inning, Santana bent over in discomfort. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo accompanied the team trainer to check on the 39-year-old struggling slugger. Santana remained in the game and lofted a single to left. He ran gingerly to first base. Pinch-runner Ildemaro Vargas replaced the former 2019 All-Star.  

Following the 6-5 victory over the Cubs, Lovullo confirmed Santana would remain in Arizona on Monday to undergo an MRI and further testing.  

The Diamondbacks (5-5) are scheduled to begin a three-game series against the New York Mets (6-4) on Tuesday.  

“IL (injured list) is not imminent,” Lovullo said, as reported by ArizonaSports.com. “We’re just gonna read and react to what we see on the MRI.” 

Playing with his eighth MLB squad since 2021, the long-time Cleveland franchise slugger collected 335 career homers in 2,212 at-bats. He also earned an AL Gold Glove honor as the Minnesota Twins’ first baseman in 2024.  

Santana signed a one-year contract with the Diamondbacks last offseason and opened the campaign with a .083 batting average with zero home runs.

He’s been playing the blues.