Report: Diamondbacks 1B Tyler Locklear to undergo surgery for multiple injuries

Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Tyler Locklear needs shoulder and elbow surgeries this offseason, Nick Piecoro of AZCentral.com first reported on Thursday.

Locklear went on the injured list on Sept. 8 with left elbow inflammation after a collision at first base, as a throw from third baseman Jordan Lawlar took Locklear into Boston base runner Connor Wong.

His timeline is unclear, but he is expected to be back next year. According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, the team is hoping he can return toward the end of spring training but would need a ramp-up period of about a month, potentially putting a month of the regular season at risk if all goes well.

The Diamondbacks acquired Locklear in a trade package from the Seattle Mariners for All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez at the deadline. Arizona also picked up relievers Juan Burgos and Hunter Cranton.

Locklear became a top 10 prospect in the team’s farm system at 24 years old and received the opportunity to play 31 major league games (28 starts).

After dominating Triple-A pitching, Locklear hit .175 with and OPS of .529 in 116 big league plate appearances. He showed flashes of power with three home runs but struck out 37.1% of the time.

By the end of the season, the Diamondbacks were platooning Tim Tawa and Ildemaro Vargas at first base, utility players with limited experience at the position, due to injuries to Locklear and Pavin Smith. Smith is arbitration eligible this season after hitting .258 with a .797 OPS in 2025.

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro made note on Wednesday that first base is not expected to be high on the priority list this offseason, with starting pitching and bullpen the primary focuses.

The Diamondbacks have a list of injuries that will impact the team in 2026, including ace starter Corbin Burnes (Tommy John surgery), reliever Justin Martinez (Tommy John surgery), reliever A.J. Puk (internal brace surgery) and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (torn ACL).

Related

Torey Lovullo says Diamondbacks bringing back coaching staff for 2026D-backs GM Mike Hazen: 'False' that relationship with Torey Lovullo had sway in manager's returnWho was the Diamondbacks' best player, pitcher in 2025?JJ Bleday hits for cycle at Chase Field vs. Diamondbacks: How rare is that?D-backs notes: Ketel Marte back to rehab work after casino night ‘wasn’t very good’ for opticsKetel Marte is ruining his Diamondbacks legacy, and there’s no end in sight