Corbin Carroll Set for Surgery on Hamate Fracture
Corbin Carroll, a standout player for the Arizona Diamondbacks, has sustained a hamate bone fracture in his right hand. The injury occurred during batting practice and requires surgical intervention today. This setback is likely to cause Carroll to miss a significant portion of the upcoming spring training and may lead to his placement on the injured list as the 2026 season begins.
Impact of Carroll’s Injury on the Diamondbacks
The injury is a disappointing development for the Diamondbacks, signaling a tough start to their season. Carroll, who earned the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year title, is a two-time All-Star and finished sixth in National League MVP voting for last season. His performance last year included:
- Batting average: .259
- On-base percentage: .343
- Slugging percentage: .541
- Home runs: 31
- Doubles: 32
- Triples: 17
- Stolen bases: 32 (in 38 attempts)
- Walk rate: 10.4%
- Strikeout rate: 23.8%
- Total plate appearances: 642
Last season, Carroll led the league in baserunning value, showcasing his exceptional speed and agility on the field.
Recovery Timeline and Future Outlook
The Diamondbacks have not yet provided a timeline for Carroll’s recovery. Hamate injuries are relatively common in baseball. They typically result in a recovery period ranging from four to eight weeks. Nonetheless, these injuries have the potential to affect a player’s power and overall performance.
As Carroll is expected to start the season on the injured list, the Diamondbacks’ outfield situation appears increasingly precarious. The team recently traded Jake McCarthy to the Rockies and has also lost Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who is recovering from a torn ACL.
Potential Replacements for Carroll
With Carroll sidelined, several players may step into key roles for the Diamondbacks:
- Jordan Lawlar: Primarily an infielder, Lawlar is transitioning to the outfield this season.
- Alek Thomas: A solid defender, but his offensive performance has yet to match his prospect status.
- Pavin Smith: He has experience in the outfield but struggles defensively.
- Jorge Barrosa: Currently on the 40-man roster but has underwhelmed in his short major league appearances.
- Tim Tawa: While primarily an infielder, he has experience in the outfield and put up strong numbers in Triple-A.
The Diamondbacks may also consider promoting Ryan Waldschmidt, their No. 31 overall pick in 2024. Waldschmidt excelled in both High-A and Double-A last season, hitting .289 with 18 home runs and 29 stolen bases.
Exploring External Options
Given their thin outfield depth, the Diamondbacks might look to bring in external help. Several notable free agents are still available, including Mike Tauchman, Mark Canha, and Randal Grichuk. Adding a veteran player could provide essential depth as the team adjusts to Carroll’s absence.
As spring training progresses, the Diamondbacks will likely continue to monitor both internal and external options to bolster their roster following this significant injury to Corbin Carroll.
