On Wednesday, it was reported that Arizona Diamondbacks star Corbin Carroll had suffered a broken hamate bone in his hand, and would undergo surgery.
Carroll’s timeline is not concrete, but he will miss the WBC, and his opening day status is in question. This injury is a brutal blow to Arizona and Carroll himself, and ultimately hurts the Diamondbacks.
But as Arizona has so often exemplified, from adversity comes opportunity. As much as the D-backs want to see their star back in action as soon as possible, the injury could clear a space for some of Arizona’s young outfielders to earn playing time. The D-backs already lacked a clear left field solution, and now they’ll have two open outfield spots — at least during spring.
Below are four players who could use that opportunity to earn a role:
Related Content: What’s Next for D-backs After Corbin Carroll Injury
3 Diamondbacks Who Could Use Carroll Injury to Earn Playing Time
Jun 1, 2024; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt (21) stands on the field during the first inning against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Kentucky Proud Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
1: Jordan Lawlar
It’s been a rough journey for the former No. 1 prospect, but Lawlar was already set to take most of his reps in the outfield this spring. With two spots open, there may be less pressure on Lawlar to perform, allowing him to play more loosely and instinctively.
Lawlar clearly has the tools to be both a solid hitter and defender, but one can’t help but imagine his lack of playing time and pressure to perform has played a part in his struggles, even if there are areas of his game that still need to be addressed.
According to Arizona Sports 98.7’s Alex Weiner, Lawlar will likely play center field if he proves he can handle outfield duties this spring, with previous everyday center fielder Alek Thomas likely to move around the outfield more than in the past.
2: Ryan Waldschmidt
Waldschmidt, Arizona’s current No. 1 prospect, has risen at a meteoric pace through the minor leagues. While it might seem like a complete long shot to see him on the major league roster before mid-season, Waldschmidt may have an opportunity to further strengthen his case in spring and force the D-backs’ hands.
GM Mike Hazen implied — though he did not say Waldschmidt’s name explicitly — that the No. 1 prospect might be able to challenge for a role on the MLB club right away, despite not playing at the Triple-A level.
Waldschmidt hit .309/.423/.498 with a .921 OPS and nine home runs in 66 Double-A games last year, with 45 walks against just 53 strikeouts.
3: Tommy Troy
Troy is an interesting name in Arizona’s system. He’s flown slightly under the radar despite a lofty No. 5 prospect ranking in 2025. Troy is a natural infielder, but also has some experience playing the outfield.
He hit to a .289/.382/.451 slash with 15 homers across Double- and Triple-A in 2025, and appears to be nearing his MLB debut at age 24.
Troy was seen taking reps in the outfield (alongside Lawlar) on Tuesday, as pitchers and catchers reported to Salt River Fields.
These are not the only names who could see time out there. Utilityman Tim Tawa, for example, played a solid left field (among many other positions) in 2025. Even names like Kristian Robinson and A.J. Vukovich could find a way to earn roles this spring.
Regardless, the D-backs (and their fans) will be eagerly awaiting the return of their superstar.
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