The Diamondbacks introduced at the moment that right-hander Taylor Rashi and infielder Connor Kaiser have been recalled from Triple-A Reno. In corresponding strikes, they’ve optioned Juan Burgos to Reno and positioned outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on the 10-day injured listing with a torn proper ACL.
It was obvious that Gurriel was injured final evening. He and heart fielder Blaze Alexander have been each chasing a ball within the hole. Gurriel hopped to keep away from his teammate however then collapsed on the bottom in apparent ache. He finally needed to be carted off, unable to correctly put weight on his leg.
At this time’s prognosis is clearly terrible for each Gurriel and the Snakes. They haven’t introduced an anticipated timeline however a torn ACL can typically require one thing near a yr of restoration earlier than the participant is again to full power. Gurriel will definitely miss the rest of this season and a notable chunk of 2026 as effectively.
Gurriel was initially acquired forward of the 2023 season alongside Gabriel Moreno, as a part of the commerce which despatched Daulton Varsho to the Blue Jays. Gurriel was an impending free agent on the time however re-signed after one good season in Arizona. He returned by way of a three-year, $42MM pact with a membership possibility for 2027 and an opt-out likelihood for him after 2025.
Triggering the opt-out wasn’t particularly seemingly. He’s solely hitting .248/.295/.418 this yr, with that line translating to a 94 wRC+. Nonetheless, he does have 19 residence runs and it’s potential the general lack of manufacturing is because of a .254 batting common on balls in play. That’s effectively under this yr’s .291 league common and Gurriel’s private profession charge of .305.
His determination would have successfully come down as to whether he felt he might beat one yr and $18MM. His present contract pays him $13MM subsequent yr, with a $5MM buyout on the $14MM membership possibility for 2027. Maybe a sizzling end might have made him take into consideration strolling away from that cash but it surely’s a moot level now. Since he’s going to overlook some quantity of subsequent yr, he’ll absolutely forgo his opt-out likelihood.
For the Diamondbacks, this provides to their 2026 physique depend effectively earlier than the season has even begun. Corbin Burnes required Tommy John surgical procedure in June and can subsequently miss most or maybe the entire upcoming marketing campaign. Tommy Henry, Blake Walston, A.J. Puk and Justin Martínez additionally underwent UCL surgical procedures this yr and are dealing with prolonged absences. Now Gurriel provides one other title to the listing.
These different names are all pitchers whereas Gurriel subtracts a key a part of the membership’s outfield combine. With out him, the 2026 outfield consists of fellows Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, Jake McCarthy, Jorge Barrosa and Alexander. Carroll is a star but it surely’s a questionable group after that. Thomas is in his fourth season and has good defensive grades however he hasn’t hit. McCarthy has proven occasional flashes of competency on the plate however his good seasons could have been fuelled by BABIP luck and he’s been terrible this yr. Alexander is having a pleasant run proper now however he strikes out so much and has solely lately moved from the infield to the outfield. Barrosa has simply 58 massive league plate appearances and hasn’t impressed but.
Going into the winter, the Diamondbacks have so much to do. Given their accidents, deadline trades and impending free brokers, they should remake virtually their total pitching employees. They’ve query marks on the infield corners after buying and selling Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez on the deadline. These spots may very well be stuffed by guys like Jordan Lawlar and Tyler Locklear however neither is a lock but. Gurriel might have been a stable common on subsequent yr’s workforce however now there’s yet one more factor on the to-do listing.
Photographs courtesy of Charles LeClaire, Arianna Grainey, Imagn Pictures
