SCOTTSDALE — Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll is making positive strides toward returning to the field after a hamate bone injury, and Wednesday will mark the first time he sees action this spring.

Aug 18, 2024; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (7) is congratulated by Arizona Diamondbacks third base Eugenio Suarez (28) after he scores a run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the tenth inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Advertisement

According to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, Carroll will ease his way back by serving as the designated hitter against the Athletics. There is no word yet on when he will return to outfield duties.

Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (7) rounds second on the way to a triple against the Dodgers during a game at Chase Field on May 10, 2025, in Phoenix. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The return strongly suggests that the All-Star outfielder is in a good position after breaking the hamate bone in his right hand on Feb. 10 while hitting a foul ball during batting practice. Since then, he has continued preparing for the MLB regular season but hasn’t been able to play in live games.

Advertisement

Hamate bone injuries typically don’t require long recovery timelines, but they can temporarily affect a hitter’s power as the wrist regains strength after being immobilized for several weeks. It was unclear whether Carroll would be ready for Opening Day later this month. Still, with him set to be in the lineup Wednesday, there is now a stronger case that Opening Day remains a possibility for the outfielder.

May 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Using Carroll as a DH allows the D-Backs to monitor his swings and workload as he rebuilds his timing against live pitching. Without the added stress of playing the outfield, it also gives Carroll the chance to get at-bats and make necessary adjustments as he enters the final phase of his recovery.

Advertisement

If all goes well, Arizona could avoid entering the regular season without one of its starting outfielders — making Wednesday’s appearance an important checkpoint in Carroll’s recovery process.

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde