Jordan Lawlar, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ top prospect, is set to miss at least two months due to right thumb surgery. The news was confirmed by Shaun Larkin, the team’s director of player development. Lawlar suffered the injury during a minor-league spring game when he tried to pick up a ball with his throwing hand. This setback means that Lawlar will not be available for the Diamondbacks at the major-league level until midseason.
Lawlar, who is ranked as the No. 4 prospect in baseball by Keith Law of The Athletic, made his major-league debut last season but struggled with limited playing time, collecting only four hits in 31 at-bats. His performance during spring training did not improve, leading the Diamondbacks to option him to Triple-A and keep Gerardo Perdomo as their starting shortstop. Perdomo, however, also had a slow spring and struggled at the plate in the second half of the previous season.
Before his injury, Lawlar was on the verge of a big-league return, with a strong performance in Triple-A and the potential for Perdomo to slump. Although the injury does not change the overall dynamic, it does delay his timeline for a possible call-up.
This is not the first time Lawlar has dealt with injuries since being drafted as the sixth overall pick in 2021. In his professional debut, he tore the labrum in his left shoulder. He also missed three weeks in 2022 due to back pain caused by an abnormal rib growth and later fractured his scapula in the Arizona Fall League. Despite these setbacks, Lawlar has progressed quickly through the minor leagues and reached the majors before turning 22.
In terms of his skills on the field, Lawlar is highly regarded. He possesses excellent instincts on both offense and defense, with improved footwork and throwing ability that make him at least an average defender at shortstop. At the plate, Lawlar exhibits impressive bat speed and has the potential to hit 15-20 home runs at his peak. However, Keith Law notes that Lawlar can sometimes make poor contact or swing for power that isn’t there, leading to strikeouts or weak ground balls.
Lawlar’s speed is another asset, as he is a successful base stealer with an 87 percent success rate in the minors. Despite some concerns about his approach at the plate, Lawlar has the potential to become a star infielder, even if he eventually moves off shortstop to accommodate a better defender.
In conclusion, Jordan Lawlar’s thumb surgery will keep him out of action for at least two months. The setback delays his potential return to the major leagues, but it does not significantly affect the overall trajectory of his career. Lawlar’s injury history is a concern, but his skills and potential make him an exciting prospect to watch as he continues his journey through the minor leagues.