Goldschmidt (elbow) isn't in the lineup Friday against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt recently expressed optimism regarding his status and said he thought he'd be ready to return for Friday's game. Although he's eager to play, the Diamondbacks are being careful with the star first baseman, as Goldschmidt is being withheld from the lineup for the fifth consecutive game. Daniel Descalso will start at first base and hit fifth in place of Goldschmidt on Friday night.

Goldschmidt (elbow) believes he could return to the lineup Friday against the Padres, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Diamondbacks skipper Torey Lovullo indicated that Goldschmidt prodded him to play Wednesday against the Dodgers, but the All-Star ultimately sat out a fourth straight contest with inflammation in his right elbow. In spite of the MVP candidate's absence, the Diamondbacks have been able to extend their winning streak to 13 games to further solidify their playoff positioning, so there isn't any impetus to rush Goldschmidt back into action at less-than-full health. Goldschmidt will likely be evaluated at batting practice Friday morning before his status for the series opener with San Diego is determined.

Goldschmidt (elbow) is not in Wednesday's lineup against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt will miss a fourth straight game while recovering from an elbow injury, but should be considered day-to-day ahead of Friday's series opener against San Diego. He is likely available off the bench during Wednesday's contest, but Daniel Descalso will draw another start in his stead.

An MRI on Goldschmidt's injured elbow revealed no structural damage Tuesday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt stated that he's dealing with some inflammation in his injured elbow but that he's fortunately avoided any significant damage. He's available off the bench Tuesday and could conceivably be back in the starting lineup Wednesday against the Dodgers.

Goldschmidt (elbow) remains out of the lineup Tuesday against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt lobbied to continue playing through the elbow issue, but the Diamondbacks decided to send him back to Phoenix for an MRI. The results of that exam have not yet been disclosed. Daniel Descalso is starting at first base in place of Goldschmidt against lefty Hyun-Jin Ryu.

Goldschmidt is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers due to a lingering elbow issue, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This helps explain Goldschmidt's absence from the starting lineup over the previous two games. The good news is the issue doesn't appear to be anything overly serious -- as Goldschmidt has been playing through the issue and even asked to play Monday -- but the Diamondbacks want to make sure everything checks out before clearing him to return to the lineup. He's expected to undergo an MRI in Phoenix on Tuesday, after which there should be a clearer idea regarding his status. If everything checks out, he could return to action for Tuesday's game.

Goldschmidt is not in the lineup for Monday's game against the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

This will mark the first time all season that Goldschmidt has sat out consecutive games. There has been no word of any injury at this point, so it appears manager Torey Lovullo is giving his stud first baseman a few days off as the Diamondbacks find themselves in control of a playoff spot thanks to a 10-game win streak. Adam Rosales will start at first base in his place.

Goldschmidt is out of the lineup Sunday against the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt will get just his third day off since the All-Star break and his first since Aug. 16. He's been hitless in the first two games at Coors Field, but has still managed to reach base and cross home plate in each. Rather than get a chance to bounce back in the hitter-friendly environment, Goldschmidt will give way to Kris Negron at first base for the series finale. It appears to be just a maintenance day with a big three-game set against the Dodgers ahead.

Goldschmidt went 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk and two RBI in Wednesday's 6-4 triumph over the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

With his fourth long ball in five games, Goldschmidt is now up to 33 for the season, placing him in a tie for eighth in the majors. It's perhaps no surprise that Goldschmidt's offensive surge has corresponded with the Diamondbacks' own hot streak, as the team has reeled off six wins in a row. Goldschmidt's MVP-worthy campaign has the Diamondbacks trending toward their first postseason appearance since 2011.

Goldschmidt went 2-for-4 with a home run and two runs in Tuesday's 7-6 win over the Dodgers.

EDGE Analysis

Goldschmidt reached base on the first inning on an infield line drive off Dodgers starter Rich Hill and supplied the decisive run with his solo shot in the fifth inning. It was the third long ball in four games for Goldschmidt, leaving him just four shy of his career-best total of 36 home runs with 30 games left to play.