The Arizona Diamondbacks have announced that outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has sustained a torn ACL in his right knee, a setback that could significantly impact his future contributions to the team. Gurriel was injured during a recent game against the Texas Rangers, which the Diamondbacks lost 7-5. The injury was confirmed on Tuesday, a day after Gurriel experienced the traumatic incident.
During the game, Gurriel made a sudden, awkward jump to avoid center fielder Blaze Alexander, who was making a diving catch on a line drive hit by Rowdy Tellez for the third out of the sixth inning. The collision occurred as Gurriel was attempting to evade contact and resulted in him falling heavily to the ground. Medical personnel attended to him on the field, where he remained on the ground for several minutes before eventually walking to the cart and being transported off the field.
This season, Gurriel has been a consistent performer for the Diamondbacks, batting .248 with 19 home runs and 80 RBIs across 129 games. His injury is expected to have repercussions beyond the current season, potentially affecting his preparation and performance in 2026. Gurriel, a 2023 All-Star, is under a three-year, $42 million contract that runs through 2026, with a club option for 2027.
In response to the injury, the Diamondbacks have placed Gurriel on the 10-day injured list. They have also optioned right-hander Juan Burgos to Triple-A Reno and called up right-hander Taylor Rashi along with infielder Connor Kaiser to bolster the roster. The team’s management faces the challenge of filling Gurriel’s offensive and defensive roles as he recovers from this serious injury.
As Gurriel embarks on his recovery, the baseball community will be watching closely, recognizing that ACL injuries are often a significant hurdle for athletes, requiring extensive rehabilitation. His absence underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport and the importance of depth within a team’s roster.