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D-Backs' Buchholz sees bounce-back season end with elbow injury

Jennifer Stewart / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Arizona Diamondbacks will have to make their final postseason push without right-hander Clay Buchholz, who suffered a flexor strain in his elbow.

Buchholz began the 2018 season on a minor-league contract with the Kansas City Royals, but opted out in May when he was not brought to the major-league level.

Soon after, the 34-year-old signed a minor-league deal with Arizona and earned a promotion back to the bigs by May 20. Over 16 starts, Buchholz posted a 2.01 ERA and 3.46 FIP while throwing 98 1/3 innings. By FanGraphs WAR, the veteran was the fourth-most valuable starter in a deep Arizona rotation.

Matt Koch wound up making Thursday's crucial start against the Colorado Rockies when Buchholz was scratched due to elbow stiffness. Koch allowed four runs on eight hits - including two home runs - and a pair of walks over three innings as Arizona dropped a key decision to its division rival.

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