TEMPE — Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Corbin Carroll is moving quickly to return to the lineup after breaking his right hamate bone earlier this month, aiming for Opening Day on March 26 at Dodger Stadium. His rapid recovery has led manager Torey Lovullo to suggest that Carroll could be ready sooner than expected, defying the usual recovery timeline for such an injury.
Lovullo shared on Saturday,
“I would not be surprised if Corbin is ready by Opening Day, that’s my gut feel. The trajectory that he’s on, the success in which he’s having each and every day, he’s pushing as hard as he can.”
This optimism reflects Carroll’s determination and accelerated healing process.
Medical Oversight and Carroll’s Rigorous Rehabilitation
Though Carroll’s progress is impressive, the team remains cautious, adhering strictly to medical guidelines to ensure he is fully prepared before returning to play. Lovullo added,
“He’s still under the medical guidelines. Nobody will sign off on it until they all think that he’s ready. So we’ll probably have to pull him back a little bit, but I like that he’s feeling as good as he is. … If I know Corbin, he’s got it mapped out to the day about what he has to do and what he’s going to try to accomplish. But we’ve got to be smart.”
Following surgery to remove the broken hamate bone, Carroll was back at Salt River Fields the very next day, working on throwing a weighted ball against the wall. Since then, he has progressed to running bases and swinging with one hand in batting cages, all while rebuilding arm strength, given that the injury affected his non-throwing hand.
Carroll himself indicated on the Foul Territory podcast on February 18 that he is targeting Opening Day, underscoring his confidence and focus on making an early return this season.
Outfielders Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Their Recovery Progress
Similarly, outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is advancing faster than expected in his rehab from a torn ACL, though his return timeline remains cautious. He is scheduled to hit off the Trajekt pitching machine after recent batting practice sessions.
Lovullo commented on Gurriel’s progress, saying,
“He is so far ahead of schedule that we’re trying to pull him back a little. He’s just like Corbin. … They both want to play a game as soon as possible, but it kind of sets a tone for the rest of the guys. We’re here to work and get better. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing.”
Despite the urgency, Gurriel’s recovery demands caution because one misstep could significantly delay his comeback. While he is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, there is positive momentum suggesting he may avoid missing an extended portion of the season as was initially feared following his September injury.
Status Update on Catcher Adrian Del Castillo
Meanwhile, catcher Adrian Del Castillo continues to ramp up his preparation, though there remains uncertainty about when he will return to game action due to a calf injury. Del Castillo has resumed catching bullpen sessions and hitting batting practice, signaling gradual progress.
Lovullo noted,
“Del is starting to increase his volume. What exactly does that mean time-wise? I don’t have that.”
Implications for the Diamondbacks’ 2024 Season Start
The potential for Carroll to be ready on Opening Day could provide the Diamondbacks with a significant boost, given his status as an All-Star and key offensive contributor. His early return would demonstrate effective injury management and commitment to fast recovery. Additionally, the encouraging rehabilitation updates for Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Adrian Del Castillo reflect a broader theme of resilience and depth within the team’s roster.
As Opening Day approaches, the Diamondbacks will carefully monitor these players’ statuses, balancing ambition with caution to ensure lasting performance throughout the season. Their progress sets the stage for a hopeful start as Arizona prepares to compete in a challenging MLB campaign.
Corbin Carroll says he's targeting an Opening Day return. 👀 pic.twitter.com/6xqMeWTZR6
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 19, 2026
