ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar to have thumb surgery

Mar 27, 2024, 1:28 PM | Updated: 4:08 pm

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar will have surgery on his right thumb after tearing a ligament, general manager Mike Hazen said on Wednesday.

Lawlar was in line to start the season with Triple-A Reno but jammed his thumb after a ball went off his glove during a minor league spring training game and he reached down with his throwing hand to pick it up, D-backs farm director Shaun Larkin told azcentral.

“It was unfortunate. I mean, it was just a freak playing injury. He’ll be back. We’ll miss him for sure because he’s a dynamic player,” manager Torey Lovullo told reporters on Wednesday. “And he’s one of the guys we’re banking on at some point this year. But we’ll figure our way through it.”

Larkin, who expects Lawlar to return to baseball activity in eight-to-10 weeks, called it “more of a recovery play.”

Lawlar entered the year ranked as the No. 11 overall prospect in baseball, according to MLB.com, with the next-closest Diamondbacks prospect being shortstop Tommy Troy at No. 74.

While playing for Arizona in the Cactus League this year, Lawlar hit 3-for-17 with one home run, two RBIs, three walks and six strikeouts over 21 plate appearances in eight games.

In addition to Lawlar, the D-backs start the season dealing with unavailability including starter Eduardo Rodriguez (lat strain), closer Paul Sewald (oblique), reported acquisition Jordan Montgomery (ramp up) as well as outfielder Randal Grichuk (right ankle), who will start the season on the IL, according to Lovullo.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Randal Grichuk, diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

Pitching is what’s left on Diamondbacks offseason to-do list

The Diamondbacks may have some moves to make regarding the pitching staff while feeling good about the offense as spring training begins.

2 days ago

Trey Mancini...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks take a chance on former Orioles slugger Trey Mancini

The Diamondbacks have agreed to a minor league contract with former Orioles slugger, cancer survivor and World Series champion Trey Mancini.

2 days ago

Randal Grichuk...

Alex Weiner

Randal Grichuk returns to Diamondbacks on 1-year deal

The Diamondbacks have agreed to re-sign outfielder Randal Grichuk, who finished red hot in 2024, Mark Feinsand first reported on Tuesday.

5 days ago

MLB umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by the league on Monday over sports gambling...

Associated Press

Umpire Pat Hoberg fired by MLB for sharing sports gambling accounts with friend who bet on baseball

Umpire Pat Hoberg was fired by MLB on Monday for sharing his legal sports gambling accounts with a friend who bet on baseball games.

6 days ago

Diamondbacks Kristian Robinson...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks announce spring training roster with Gino Groover, Kristian Robinson

The Diamondbacks released their spring training roster for big league camp on Friday, including prospects Gino Groover and Kristian Robinson.

9 days ago

Garrett Hampson...

Alex Weiner

D-backs signing stout defender Garrett Hampson to minor league deal, spring training invite

The Arizona Diamondbacks are signing utility defender Garrett Hampson to a minor league deal with a spring training invitation.

9 days ago

Diamondbacks shortstop Jordan Lawlar to have thumb surgery