The Arizona Diamondbacks are placing outfielder Jordan Lawlar on the 10-day injured list, manager Torey Lovullo told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Friday.
Lovullo added it could be six weeks of down time for the outfielder as he recovers.
Taking Lawlar’s roster spot is catcher Adrian Del Castillo, who was reinstated from the 10-day IL and optioned to Triple-A Reno after Thursday’s game before being recalled Friday. The catcher had a calf issue this past spring but has since gotten some rehab games in.
“Terrible news for Jordan,” Lovullo said. “He’s going to be fine. We’re going to make the most of this time where he’s down. He’s going to get some outfield work. He’s going to continue to improve in that space and that area where he’s been so effective.
“He’s taken on that position very, very well. … He’s gonna step back in this arena and help us win baseball games when he’s good and healthy.”
The news of Lawlar’s diagnosis comes on the heels of his first career MLB home run in Thursday’s blowout loss to the Atlanta Braves. The no-doubter went 424 feet to left-center field.
Lawlar, however, was later hit by a pitch and was removed from the game. Initial X-rays were negative, though a CT scan on Friday showed the break.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for Lawlar after making the Opening Day roster for the first time in his career following a position switch to the outfield.
“I want to play and I’m here to help this team win games as much as I can defensively, offensively,” Lawlar told reporters Friday. “I get a lot of joy from playing on that field, so I want to keep playing.”
More roster moves on the way for Diamondbacks
In addition to Lawlar, the Diamondbacks are making a pitching change.
The team has selected right-handed pitcher Taylor Rashi and designated righty Joe Ross for assignment ahead of Friday’s game against the Atlanta Braves.
