Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is back on the field. After tearing his right ACL on September 1, the Diamondbacks have reinstated him from the 10-day injured list. To make space for him, they designated first baseman Luken Baker for assignment.
D’Backs manager Torey Lovullo mentioned that Gurriel might play this weekend, marking an impressive return from a serious injury. Typically, ACL recoveries take about 9 to 10 months, but Gurriel showed remarkable progress during Spring Training and in just two games of rehab. He’s back after only seven and a half months.
If Gurriel’s knee holds up, he could soon return to regular play in left field rather than just designated hitting. Baker, meanwhile, hasn’t had many opportunities, only appearing in three games since his minor league contract was called up in April.
Arizona signed Baker last December, likely planning to pair him with Pavin Smith at first base. But things changed quickly. Smith went on the injured list after needing elbow surgery, and Carlos Santana is also out with an adductor strain. This left Baker with little chance to show what he could do.
The D’Backs have leaned on Jose Fernandez and utility player Ildemaro Vargas to cover first base. As a result, Baker is now facing waiver claims, which means other teams can pick him up.
If he clears waivers, Baker has the option to become a free agent. He has dealt with this before, having been outrighted last August while with the Dodgers. Many teams may find value in him, especially since he has solid Triple-A numbers, despite struggling in the majors with a .206 batting average over his first three seasons.
Baker’s situation reflects a broader trend in baseball where teams are increasingly looking for versatile players who can adapt quickly. With injuries common, having depth in positions can be crucial. Gurriel’s swift return is a reminder of how advancements in sports medicine are changing recovery timelines.
The Diamondbacks’ roster is dynamic and constantly evolving. How they manage injured players and adapt to changing situations can impact their performance as the season progresses. Overall, it’ll be interesting to see how Gurriel’s return influences the team and what the future holds for Baker.
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