Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand during batting practice on Tuesday, a team source told Arizona Sports. This injury puts Carroll’s participation in the upcoming season opener at risk, as he is expected to miss a significant portion of spring training, including the World Baseball Classic where he was scheduled to represent the United States.
The injury was initially reported by Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, with ESPN’s Jeff Passan confirming that Carroll will undergo surgery on Wednesday. Spring training officially began Tuesday with pitchers and catchers reporting, while the full team workouts are set to start Sunday. With Opening Day six weeks away on March 26, Carroll’s readiness for the season remains uncertain.
Understanding the Injury and Recovery Timeline
The hamate bone, located between and below the pinky and ring fingers, is a common injury site for baseball players. Recovery typically requires six to eight weeks. This timing has sidelined other players like Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and Orioles second baseman Jackson Holiday as spring camp gets underway.
Corbin Carroll’s history of quick returns from injury may be cautious optimism, as he missed time last season due to a broken left wrist but was back on the field after just three weeks. However, the healing period for a broken hamate often requires surgery and rest, complicating a faster comeback.
Diamondbacks’ Outfield Depth Tested Amid Multiple Injuries and Trades
The Diamondbacks’ outfield depth is already strained this spring. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is sidelined with a torn ACL and will begin the year on the injured list. Arizona recently traded utility player Blaze Alexander to Baltimore and outfielder Jake McCarthy to the Colorado Rockies, further thinning options.
If Carroll begins the season on the injured list, the team’s outfield choices on the 40-man roster will primarily be Alek Thomas, Jorge Barrosa, Tim Tawa, and Jordan Lawlar. Additional competition may come from non-roster invitees such as Ryan Waldschmidt, Tommy Troy, Kristian Robinson, and A.J. Vukovich, all of whom are in big league camp aiming to secure roles.
General manager Mike Hazen has noted the possibility of adding players from outside the organization to bolster defensive versatility after Alexander’s departure.
Carroll’s Previous Achievements and Early Season Challenges
Carroll had an impressive 2025 campaign, finishing seventh in National League MVP voting. He appeared in 143 games, hitting 31 home runs, 32 doubles, and leading the league with 17 triples, maintaining an .883 OPS. He also earned a finalist spot for a Gold Glove Award. His presence in the lineup provides crucial stability alongside teammates Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, and Gabriel Moreno as the team heads into spring training.
Carroll’s return within six weeks would be vital, considering the Diamondbacks face a demanding early schedule. The team opens against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-game series, followed by matchups with the Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays, all of whom have made roster moves aimed at contention this season.
Implications for the Diamondbacks’ Opening Roster and Season Outlook
Corbin Carroll’s injury introduces notable uncertainty for the Diamondbacks as they prepare for the 2026 season. If his recovery extends beyond six weeks, the team will need to rely heavily on less experienced outfielders and recent additions to fill the gap. The combination of injuries, player trades, and Carroll’s potential absence could test Arizona’s depth and defensive flexibility early in the campaign.
As recovery progresses, the organization will watch Carroll’s rehabilitation closely, hoping to minimize missed games and maintain competitiveness through the demanding start of the year.
Corbin Carroll suffered a broken hamate in BP yesterday, team source confirmed. @SteveGilbertMLB first reported the news.
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) February 11, 2026
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
