AVANDATIMES.COM – Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll is approaching a significant milestone in his recovery from hamate bone surgery, with plans to return to defensive duties later this week. After being limited to designated hitter roles during his first three Cactus League appearances, the 2023 NL Rookie of the Year is slated to test his hand strength in the field during backfield sessions scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday.

Carroll’s Defensive Transition

Since returning to the lineup, Carroll has focused primarily on his swing mechanics. Manager Torey Lovullo emphasized that the team is taking a cautious approach to the star’s workload to ensure his hand strength is fully restored before he resumes his full-time position in the outfield.

“It’s been a huge investment for him to do as much as he’s done to get back on the field with his swing and the overall strength of his hand, so I know he’s been compartmentalizing his overall workload and energies towards that,”

Lovullo explained.

“So I think on a backfield is where we’re gonna start him. … Probably Wednesday or Thursday at some point.”

Updates on Moreno and the Diamondbacks Roster

AvandaTimes observed that the Diamondbacks are also managing several other key injuries as Opening Day approaches. Catcher Gabriel Moreno recently underwent an MRI for an undisclosed issue, which fortunately revealed no structural damage. While Lovullo did not provide a specific return date, he expressed confidence that Moreno would be ready for the start of the regular season.

“[Moreno] just probably needs to become asymptomatic and start throwing a baseball and test his boundaries,”

Lovullo said.

“It’s hard to say when.” Despite the lack of a firm timeline, the manager noted that the team is still in a “nice position” regarding Moreno’s availability. “We’re still in a nice position. We still can give him the rest to make sure that he is ready for opening day. I think that’ll happen,” he added.

Additional Injury Reports

The Diamondbacks’ medical staff is also tracking the progress of several other players:

Lourdes Gurriel Jr.: Recovering from an ACL injury, Gurriel is reportedly ahead of schedule. Lovullo suggested a return could happen in approximately one month, calling his progress an “amazing turnaround.” “I think internally, that’s kind of what we’re thinking. It’s been a fast turnaround. It’s been an amazing turnaround. It’s awesome,” Lovullo said.Adrian Del Castillo: Dealing with a calf injury, Del Castillo has begun running and defensive drills. Lovullo noted his swing remains fluid during batting practice. “He looks good,” Lovullo said. “I watch his BPs. His swing is very fluid and his lower half is carrying him to the baseball. He’s doing all defensive work. … So I think he’s gonna be fine. What his timeline is, I’m not exactly sure right now.”Merrill Kelly: Currently managing intercostal nerve irritation, Kelly may begin the season on the Injured List, though he is scheduled to pitch again this Thursday. “I probably do know the answer, but I’m not ready to let you guys know if that’s 100% or not yet.”Pavin Smith: Sidelined with forearm tightness, Smith has not yet undergone imaging but remains under observation.