Michael Soroka trending toward Monday return, Jordan Lawlar could be back during upcoming road trip

PHOENIX — “Pretty much,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said with a smile when asked by Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo whether pitcher Michael Soroka would return from the injured list on Monday against the Colorado Rockies.

“It’s looking very, very strongly that (Eduardo Rodriguez) will start on Sunday — we liked the matchup against the Dodgers with some of their left-handed hitters — and Soroka on Monday,” Lovullo said on Friday.

Soroka has been down with a left glute strain since June 19, and the Diamondbacks already cleared a rotation spot for him by optioning Kohl Drake after Thursday’s game.

Soroka has been widely expected to be the next man up from the injured list, while outfielder Jordan Lawlar (hamstring strain) and Justin Martinez (Tommy John surgery recovery) are not too far behind.

Lovullo said during his pregame press conference on Friday that Lawlar would play his third rehab game for Double-A Amarillo later that evening. He will potentially play again on Saturday with the idea that he will then head to Triple-A Reno to continue ramping up.

Getting Lawlar back on Arizona’s upcoming road trip to Atlanta and Boston is a possibility, Lovullo said.

“We’re getting very close with him, and he’s been battling injuries on-and-off now for a couple of years,” Lovullo said. “If we’ve got to wait a couple extra days, let’s make sure he’s healthy and feels right. He’s feeling really good. The fact that he’s playing back-to-back games, off day and back-to-back games again tells me a good story.”

Martinez will throw for Single-A Visalia on Friday night after pitching a scoreless inning on Tuesday. If Martinez gets through Friday OK, the Diamondbacks are considering moving him up to Triple-A for a couple more outings.

“The order is probably going to be Soroka, Lawlar and J-Mart right around the same time,” Lovullo said.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Arizona Sports (@arizsports)

Diamondbacks injury notes

(Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

• LHP A.J. Puk is out for the season after suffering a capsule sprain in his left shoulder in June while rehabbing elbow surgery. He has not pitched this season.
• OF Tommy Troy will take live batting practice on Saturday to test out his shoulder (sprained right AC joint). Troy last played on July 11 when he banged into the wall at Dodger Stadium.
• RHP Drey Jameson (right hip inflammation) will pitch in a bridge league game on Saturday. Jameson’s last appearance for the D-backs was on July 19.
• OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (right adductor strain) will be down longer than expected, as his latest imaging did not show complete healing. His most recent game was on July 17.
• RHP Ryan Thompson (strained lower back) will begin his progression on Monday after going on the IL Thursday.
• RHP Corbin Burnes threw a 25-pitch bullpen at Chase Field on Friday, as he continues to rehab a teres major strain he suffered while ramping up after elbow surgery. “He wants to be back here so bad,” Lovullo said. “I do know at some point in September, he’s going to be helping us win some baseball games.” Burnes last pitched on June 1, 2025.
• RHP Zac Gallen also threw a bullpen on Friday. Gallen last pitched on July 7 before going down with right elbow inflammation. “There’s been some resolution based on his most recent imaging,” Lovullo said.
• LHP Blake Walston will go two innings and 35 pitches on Saturday in Reno. He underwent Tommy John surgery before the 2025 season.
• RHP Ryne Nelson (elbow sprain/strain) threw on flat ground on Friday. He went on the IL on June 16.

Related

Diamondbacks reliever A.J. Puk out for rest of 2026 seasonDodgers manager: ‘We’re looking forward’ to playing the DiamondbacksIldemaro Vargas, Tim Tawa and Tyler Locklear covering up Diamondbacks’ first base hole. Can it last?Back-and-forth battle between Diamondbacks and Padres to be continuedDiamondbacks sign former Pirates closer to a minor league dealWho needs a SP? Bratt bests Mize in D-backs W over Padres