Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand during batting practice yesterday, as reported by Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Carroll is scheduled for surgery today, an injury that will sideline him for most of spring training and likely place him on the injured list at the start of the 2026 season. This setback impacts both Carroll and the Diamondbacks as they prepare for the upcoming year.
Carroll’s Impressive 2025 Campaign and Status Before Injury
Carroll, the 2023 National League Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star, finished sixth in NL MVP voting last season. Over 642 plate appearances, he recorded a .259 batting average with a .343 on-base percentage and a .541 slugging percentage. His 31 home runs, 32 doubles, 17 triples, and 32 stolen bases (successful in 38 attempts) demonstrated his dynamic offensive skills. Carroll also posted a 10.4% walk rate alongside a 23.8% strikeout rate. According to FanGraphs’ BsR metric, no player in baseball delivered more baserunning value in 2025, and his weighted Runs Created Plus (wRC+) was 39% above league average, underscoring his significant contribution to Arizona’s offense.
Recovery Outlook and Injury Risks
The Diamondbacks have not released an official timeline for Carroll’s recovery, pending the results of his surgery. Hamate bone injuries are common in baseball and typically require four to eight weeks of recovery, though lingering effects can impact a hitter’s power upon return. Players like Jackson Holliday and Francisco Lindor have experienced similar injuries. While each case varies, hand injuries are known for their potential to disrupt a batter’s performance for extended periods. More updates are expected once Arizona evaluates Carroll post-surgery.
Impact on Diamondbacks’ Outfield and Roster Challenges
Carroll’s absence considerably complicates Arizona’s already uncertain outfield situation. The team traded outfielder Jake McCarthy to the Colorado Rockies this offseason after underwhelming performances over recent years. Meanwhile, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will begin the season on the injured list as he recovers from a torn ACL sustained last season. Top prospect Jordan Lawlar, initially an infielder, has transitioned to the outfield and now looks likely to start in that role. Center fielder Alek Thomas remains at the position but has yet to develop the offensive consistency predicted during his prospect phase. The team also recently traded infielder/outfielder Blaze Alexander to the Baltimore Orioles, further depleting depth.
Limited Alternatives and Possible Lineup Adjustments
The current outfield options within the Diamondbacks’ major league roster are limited. Lawlar and Thomas are expected to secure starting roles primarily by default. First baseman and designated hitter Pavin Smith, with some experience in the outfield corners, is regarded as a below-average defender. The signing of veteran Carlos Santana was intended to complement Smith at first base; however, there is speculation Santana may start at first while Smith temporarily fills an outfield spot to compensate for the gaps created by injuries and trades.
Additional Bench Players and Prospects Considered for Outfield Roles
Outfielder Jorge Barrosa remains on the 40-man roster but has struggled offensively, posting a .148/.170/.239 slash line across 95 major league plate appearances, though he holds a more average performance in Triple-A play. Infielder/outfielder Tim Tawa hit 31 home runs in Triple-A during 2024 but managed only a .201/.274/.347 batting line in 205 MLB plate appearances last season. Tawa has significant infield experience but also logged over 1,500 innings in the outfield during his professional career.
Prospect Ryan Waldschmidt Could See Accelerated Promotion
To address the team’s outfield shortage, the Diamondbacks might consider advancing top draft pick Ryan Waldschmidt to the majors. Selected 31st overall in 2024, Waldschmidt bypassed Triple-A last year, excelling at High-A and Double-A levels with a combined .289/.419/.473 batting line, including 18 home runs, 27 doubles, four triples, and 29 stolen bases in 601 plate appearances. His strong plate discipline was evident in a 16% walk rate and 17.6% strikeout rate. Baseball America ranks him as the 48th best prospect in baseball, indicating his potential readiness to contribute at the major league level.
Potential for Veteran Additions During Spring Training
The Diamondbacks might also explore adding veteran outfielders through minor league contracts with spring training invitations. With limited established options on the roster, pursuing experienced players such as Mike Tauchman, Mark Canha, or Randal Grichuk could provide valuable depth. As spring training progresses, roster churn often presents opportunities for teams to acquire players who opt out of minor league deals or become available after being designated for assignment. Arizona will likely monitor these markets closely to bolster its outfield roster in response to Carroll’s injury.
Outfielder Corbin Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone during a live batting practice session Tuesday and will miss significant time this spring.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) February 11, 2026
News: Arizona Diamondbacks star outfielder Corbin Carroll broke the hamate bone in his right hand and is undergoing surgery today, sources tell ESPN. He will miss the World Baseball Classic and his ability to play Opening Day is now in question.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 11, 2026
