A Star's Setback: Corbin Carroll's Hamate Fracture and its Impact
The baseball world received some unfortunate news yesterday as Diamondbacks standout, Corbin Carroll, suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand during batting practice. This injury, reported by Steve Gilbert of MLB.com, will require surgery today, as confirmed by ESPN's Jeff Passan. Carroll's absence will be felt throughout camp and is likely to land him on the injured list for the start of the 2026 season.
For the D-backs and their fans, this is a devastating way to begin camp. Carroll, the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star, had an exceptional 2025 season, finishing sixth in the National League MVP voting. His numbers were impressive: a batting average of .259, an on-base percentage of .343, and a slugging percentage of .541. He also showcased his speed and power with 31 home runs, 32 doubles, 17 triples, and 32 stolen bases. According to FanGraphs' BsR metric, no player in baseball provided more baserunning value than Carroll in 2025, and he excelled at the plate, performing 39% better than the average player.
While hamate injuries are relatively common, as seen with Jackson Holliday and Francisco Lindor, they typically sideline hitters for four to eight weeks. These injuries can impact a player's power output and often linger, but each case is unique. The Diamondbacks are yet to provide an official recovery timeline, likely awaiting further assessment post-surgery.
With Carroll's likely absence, the D-backs' already uncertain outfield situation becomes even more complex. The team recently traded Jake McCarthy after a couple of disappointing seasons, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will start the season on the injured list, continuing his rehab from a torn ACL. Top prospect Jordan Lawlar, who was transitioning from the infield to the outfield this season, now seems certain to begin the season in the outfield. Center fielder Alek Thomas is a solid defender but is yet to live up to his top prospect status with his bat. Infielder/outfielder Blaze Alexander was traded to the Orioles last week, further thinning the outfield options.
Arizona's outfield depth is severely tested, with Lawlar and Thomas likely locked into starting roles. Pavin Smith, a first baseman/designated hitter, has some outfield experience but is considered a poor defender. The recent signing of Carlos Santana was initially intended to provide a strong platoon partner for Smith at first base, but with Carroll's injury, Santana could shift to first base, allowing Smith to move to an outfield corner temporarily.
Other outfield options on the roster include Jorge Barrosa, who has limited big league experience, and Tim Tawa, who had a strong 2024 season in Triple-A but struggled in the MLB. The D-backs could also consider fast-tracking Ryan Waldschmidt, the No. 31 overall pick in 2024, who dominated High-A and Double-A last season. Baseball America currently ranks him as the game's No. 48 overall prospect.
Alternatively, the D-backs could look to bring in external outfield help. With a relatively thin mix of established options, signing a veteran on a minor league contract or inviting an unsigned free agent like Mike Tauchman, Mark Canha, or Randal Grichuk to spring training could be a prudent move. The D-backs will need to monitor both markets to bring in depth and cover for Carroll's injury.
But here's where it gets controversial... Should the D-backs rush Waldschmidt, a highly-rated prospect, to the big leagues? Or is it better to be patient and let him develop further? And this is the part most people miss... How will Carroll's injury impact the D-backs' overall strategy and performance this season? These questions will surely spark differing opinions among fans and baseball enthusiasts. What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
