Arizona Diamondbacks fans and Team USA supporters alike woke up to tough news this week: star outfielder Corbin Carroll, one of baseball’s brightest young talents, is set to miss the upcoming World Baseball Classic and a significant chunk of spring training after breaking the hamate bone in his right hand during a live batting practice session at Salt River Fields.

The injury, which occurred on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, has sent ripples of concern through both the Diamondbacks organization and the wider baseball community. Carroll, who was scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday, February 11, now faces a recovery window that could stretch from four to ten weeks, depending on his healing process and post-surgical rehabilitation. While the Diamondbacks hope he’ll be ready for Opening Day on March 26 at Dodger Stadium, his status remains up in the air.

For Carroll, this setback comes at an especially inopportune time. The Seattle native, who attended Lakeside High School before being drafted 16th overall by Arizona in 2019, has been a key piece of the Diamondbacks’ resurgence. Since his debut in 2022, Carroll has rapidly ascended to stardom, capturing the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2023 and earning two consecutive All-Star selections. Last season, he put up a .259 batting average, launched 31 home runs, and racked up 32 stolen bases across 143 games. His 17 triples led the majors, while his overall stat line (.259/.343/.541, 140 OPS+) helped him finish sixth in NL MVP voting. Carroll’s blend of speed, power, and defensive prowess has made him a linchpin in the Diamondbacks’ lineup and a player to watch across the league.

“Carroll is expected to have surgery for the injury on Wednesday and will miss the World Baseball Classic,” reported ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The Diamondbacks, for their part, have yet to issue a formal update on Carroll’s recovery timeline, leaving fans and analysts to speculate about his potential return.

The timing of the injury is particularly painful for Team USA, who were counting on Carroll to be a starting outfielder at the World Baseball Classic, set to begin March 5. The United States roster, already loaded with talent like Byron Buxton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Aaron Judge, now faces the task of naming a replacement for Carroll. “What is bad news for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic is worse news for the Arizona Diamondbacks as baseball season looms,” one report noted, underscoring the dual impact of Carroll’s absence.

For the Diamondbacks, Carroll’s injury only deepens existing concerns about outfield depth. The club had already made several moves this offseason, trading away Jake McCarthy (to the Rockies) and Blaze Alexander (to the Orioles), while left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. continues to rehab from knee reconstruction surgery. As a result, the current 40-man roster features just a handful of healthy outfielders, including Alek Thomas and Jorge Barrosa. Barrosa, however, has struggled at the plate in limited MLB action (.148/.170/.239 in 95 plate appearances), while Thomas, despite being a fine defender, has yet to fully realize his offensive potential after four seasons in the majors.

Prospects are now thrust into the spotlight. Jordan Lawlar, previously an infield prospect, was already slated to spend more time in the outfield this spring and now seems likely to be pressed into service. The same goes for Tommy Troy, another infielder expected to see outfield reps. Perhaps the most intriguing option is Ryan Waldschmidt, the Diamondbacks’ 2024 first-round pick and Baseball America’s No. 48 overall prospect. Waldschmidt tore up both High-A and Double-A last season, slashing .289/.419/.473 with 18 home runs and 29 steals across 601 plate appearances. While he has yet to appear in Triple-A, his rapid ascent could force Arizona’s hand if the outfield situation remains dire.

Other names in the mix include Tim Tawa, who hit 31 home runs at Triple-A in 2024 but struggled in the majors, and first baseman/designated hitter Pavin Smith, who could see time in the outfield corners despite defensive limitations. The Diamondbacks may also look outside the organization for reinforcements, with unsigned veterans like Mike Tauchman, Mark Canha, and Randal Grichuk still available on the free agent market. “It’s also possible, of course, that the D-backs look to bring in some outfield help from outside the organization,” observed MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, noting the team’s precarious depth chart.

Hamate bone injuries, while not uncommon in baseball, are notoriously tricky. Recovery timelines can vary, but the general expectation is a four to eight week rehab, though some sources suggest it could take up to ten weeks. The real concern, however, is the lingering impact on a hitter’s power. “Hands are tricky things, and there’s no guarantee that he will be back to full strength and capacity at the end of that time,” one local report cautioned. Recent examples include Mike Trout and Jose Ramirez, both of whom saw their power numbers dip after similar injuries. Carroll’s own game, built on quick wrists and explosive bat speed, could be affected if the injury takes longer to heal or if his power doesn’t return immediately.

Historically, Carroll has been remarkably durable, playing at least 143 games in each of the last three seasons (155 in 2023, 158 in 2024, 143 in 2025). His ability to stay on the field has been a boon for both the Diamondbacks and fantasy baseball managers, but this latest setback is a reminder of the unpredictability of the sport. Just last year, Carroll bounced back from a tough 2024 campaign to post career bests in several offensive categories, including his first 30-plus home run season and a career-high in OPS+.

As the Diamondbacks prepare to open Cactus League play against the Colorado Rockies on February 20, all eyes will be on the team’s outfield configuration. The club’s front office faces a series of tough decisions, balancing the need for immediate help with the long-term development of their top prospects. Meanwhile, Team USA will have to adjust its World Baseball Classic plans, hoping that another star can rise to the occasion in Carroll’s absence.

For now, the Diamondbacks and their fans can only wait and hope for positive news following Carroll’s surgery. While the timeline for his return remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Corbin Carroll’s presence, both on the field and in the clubhouse, will be sorely missed as Arizona looks to build on its recent success and contend in a competitive National League West.