The Arizona Diamondbacks announced that outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has been activated from the 10-day injured list. Arizona designated infielder Luis Guillorme for assignment in a corresponding move.
Gurriel has been sidelined since September 2nd with a strained left calf. With 17 homers, a .274/.316/.428 slash line, and a 104 wRC+, the 30-year-old has been crucial to Arizona’s second-best offense in the majors. Gurriel has posted solid defensive metrics this season, with four defensive runs saved and 1.8 wins above replacement. Getting that kind of production back is crucial for the Diamondbacks as they battle for the National League Wild Card.
Guillorme was signed by the Diamondbacks in August to take over at second base while Ketel Marte was sidelined with an ankle injury. The 29-year-old infielder has batted .205/.301/.273 in 77 games between Arizona and the Los Angeles Angels.
Today’s #Dbacks roster moves. pic.twitter.com/RcH67XfdGH
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 20, 2024
Diamondbacks’ Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Assuming Gurriel can pick up where he left off, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo will have some tough decisions to make. Pavin Smith has filled in for Gurriel in left field, posting a .296/.378/.591 slash line and 161 wRC+. Moving either to right field is not an option now that Corbin Carroll has found his groove at the plate. Randal Grichuk has had an exceptional September and should continue to platoon with Joc Pederson as the Diamondbacks’ designated hitter. Gurriel will surely draw the most starts against left-hand pitching, but Pederson will limit his opportunities against right-handed pitching.
Even though Gurriel’s return will complicate a crowded Arizona lineup, it is a good problem for the Snakes to have. Gurriel is back in the lineup and starting in left field on Friday. His return marks the first time since July that the DBacks’ core position players are healthy at the same time. At 85-68, the Diamondbacks are looking to secure their spot in the postseason in the final days of the season. Arizona sits four games back in the division and is tied with the New York Mets for the last two Wild Card spots.
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