Diamondbacks: Kole Calhoun to have knee surgery, season start unsure

The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing some adversity already down at spring training, with outfielder Kole Calhoun set to undergo knee surgery.

While the Arizona Diamondbacks are hoping to make plenty of noise in 2021, the season may not start with one of their top players in the lineup. Unfortunately for the NL West team, starting right fielder Kole Calhoun has suffered a meniscus tear and will have surgery this week.

Due to the severity of the injury, the Diamondbacks are not sure as to whether or not Calhoun will be able to suit up for Opening Day on April 1. Calhoun put on a show for Arizona last season, so obviously this news is a bit of a blow for the fanbase.

Diamondbacks outfielder Kole Calhoun could miss the start of the year due to a meniscus tear

During the shortened 2020 campaign, Calhoun was no question one of the best players for the Diamondbacks. The 33-year-old outfielder blasted 16 dingers and added 40 RBI. It was Calhoun’s first season with Arizona, as he signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the club.

As you might have imagined, the Diamondbacks were expecting to keep his slugging ways going with Arizona from the very start of the 2021 campaign. However, things are now up in the air due to his knee surgery.

“Obviously concerned,” manager Torey Lovullo said of Calhoun’s knee surgery. “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.”

It goes without saying, but Arizona will need Calhoun back as soon as possible if they want to have a bounce-back campaign. In 2020, Arizona finished at the bottom of the NL West standings with its 25-35 record. Only time will tell if they’ll be able to make some noise this spring and summer.