Arizona Diamondbacks fans and baseball enthusiasts across the country woke up this week to disappointing news regarding one of the game’s brightest young stars. Corbin Carroll, the Diamondbacks’ standout outfielder and a rising star in Major League Baseball, has suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand, an injury that will sideline him from the upcoming World Baseball Classic and casts uncertainty over his availability for Opening Day. The injury, which occurred during a live batting practice session at Salt River Fields, represents a significant setback for both Carroll personally and for the teams depending on his dynamic presence on the field.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Carroll was scheduled to undergo surgery for the injury on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, which would effectively rule him out of participating in Team USA’s roster at the World Baseball Classic, scheduled to begin March 5. The Diamondbacks have yet to release an official timeline regarding his recovery, leaving both fans and analysts to speculate about when—or if—he might be ready for the start of the MLB season. Estimates for recovery following a hamate bone fracture typically range between four and ten weeks, depending on the specifics of the surgical procedure, rehabilitation, and how Carroll’s body responds to treatment. That uncertainty has only heightened concerns for both Team USA and the Diamondbacks, as his absence could have a profound impact on both organizations in the weeks to come.
The timing of Carroll’s injury could hardly be worse for Team USA. The national roster was counting on him to serve as one of its starting outfielders, joining a lineup already brimming with star power including Byron Buxton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Aaron Judge. Carroll’s combination of speed, power, and defensive skill had made him a cornerstone of the team’s strategy, and now selectors face the difficult task of finding a replacement capable of filling his considerable shoes. “What is bad news for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic is worse news for the Arizona Diamondbacks as baseball season looms,” noted one report, underscoring the dual nature of the challenge his absence presents. Team USA will now need to adjust its plans quickly, hoping that another star can rise to the occasion and provide the same level of impact that Carroll would have brought to the tournament.
For the Diamondbacks, Carroll’s injury amplifies ongoing concerns about the team’s depth in the outfield. This offseason, Arizona made several significant roster moves, including trading Jake McCarthy to the Colorado Rockies and Blaze Alexander to the Baltimore Orioles. Additionally, left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. continues to recover from knee reconstruction surgery, further limiting options for the team. As a result, the 40-man roster now contains just a handful of healthy outfielders, including Alek Thomas and Jorge Barrosa. While Thomas is recognized for his defensive abilities, his offensive production has yet to reach its potential over his four seasons in the majors. Barrosa, meanwhile, has struggled in limited MLB appearances, posting a .148 batting average with a .170 on-base percentage and a .239 slugging mark over 95 plate appearances. These limitations make the Diamondbacks’ outfield situation precarious, especially with the season’s start approaching.
The pressure to fill Carroll’s role has now thrust prospects and younger players into the spotlight. Jordan Lawlar, originally an infield prospect, had already been preparing to spend more time in the outfield this spring and now seems likely to play a more prominent role. Similarly, Tommy Troy, another infielder slated for outfield reps, may also see an expanded role. Perhaps the most intriguing prospect is Ryan Waldschmidt, Arizona’s first-round pick in 2024 and ranked No. 48 overall by Baseball America. Waldschmidt had a standout 2024 season across High-A and Double-A, slashing .289/.419/.473 with 18 home runs and 29 stolen bases in 601 plate appearances. While he has not yet reached Triple-A, his rapid development could make him a key option if the Diamondbacks’ outfield depth remains a concern.
Other possible candidates to fill the void include Tim Tawa, who hit 31 home runs in Triple-A in 2024 but struggled to replicate that production in the majors. Pavin Smith, a first baseman and designated hitter, could also see some time in the outfield corners despite his defensive limitations. Additionally, the team may explore external options, seeking out-of-organization reinforcements from free agents still available, such as Mike Tauchman, Mark Canha, or Randal Grichuk. MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert noted that “it’s also possible, of course, that the D-backs look to bring in some outfield help from outside the organization,” a comment that reflects the urgency of addressing this emerging challenge.
Hamate bone injuries, common in baseball, are often tricky to manage. While recovery typically takes four to eight weeks, some cases can stretch as long as ten weeks. The most significant concern, however, is the potential lingering impact on a player’s hitting power. The hamate bone is critical for wrist strength and bat control, and even after the bone heals, players sometimes experience a temporary decline in power. Notable examples include Mike Trout and Jose Ramirez, who both saw a dip in their power statistics following similar injuries. Carroll, whose game relies heavily on quick wrists and explosive bat speed, could experience a similar setback if his recovery is prolonged or if his power does not return immediately.
Carroll’s career to date has been marked by both excellence and durability. Since making his MLB debut in 2022, the Seattle native has rapidly emerged as one of the league’s most exciting young players. Drafted 16th overall by Arizona in 2019 out of Lakeside High School, Carroll captured the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2023 and earned consecutive All-Star selections. In the 2025 season, he posted a .259 batting average, hit 31 home runs, stole 32 bases, and led the majors with 17 triples. His on-base plus slugging (OPS+) of 140 helped him finish sixth in National League MVP voting. This combination of speed, power, and defensive skill has made him both a critical component of the Diamondbacks’ lineup and a player who consistently draws attention across the league.
The injury comes at an especially unfortunate time for the Diamondbacks, as they prepare to open Cactus League play against the Colorado Rockies on February 20. With Carroll sidelined, the team faces critical decisions regarding outfield deployment, balancing the need to win immediately with the desire to continue developing young prospects. The organization will need to weigh the potential benefits of giving prospects like Waldschmidt, Lawlar, and Troy increased playing time against the risk of overexposing them before they are fully ready for sustained major league action. The front office’s ability to navigate this challenge will be pivotal in shaping the team’s early-season performance.
The implications extend beyond Arizona’s own roster. Carroll’s absence from the World Baseball Classic affects international competition as well, with Team USA having to adjust its lineup and strategy in his absence. For a young player who had been expected to make a major impact on the international stage, this is a particularly tough blow. However, his prior success suggests that when healthy, Carroll has the ability to make a meaningful impact not just at the MLB level but also in representing his country on the global stage.
Historically, Carroll has shown remarkable durability and resilience. Over the past three seasons, he has played at least 143 games each year (155 in 2023, 158 in 2024, 143 in 2025), providing stability and consistent production for Arizona. His ability to avoid extended time on the injured list has been a significant asset for both the Diamondbacks and fantasy baseball managers who rely on him. The latest injury serves as a reminder, however, of the unpredictable nature of professional baseball, where even the most reliable players can face sudden setbacks.
The road ahead will require patience and careful management. While the Diamondbacks hope Carroll can recover in time for Opening Day on March 26 at Dodger Stadium, there is no guarantee of a full-strength return by that date. Recovery from hamate bone surgery involves not only healing of the bone itself but also rehabilitation to restore wrist strength, bat speed, and overall hitting mechanics. Team trainers and medical staff will play a critical role in monitoring Carroll’s progress, adjusting his workload, and ensuring that his return to action does not risk re-injury.
In the meantime, the Diamondbacks and their fans must grapple with a temporary reality that is missing one of their most electrifying players. Carroll’s presence on the field has always been transformative, providing a combination of defensive agility, base-stealing threat, and power-hitting capability that few young players can match. Beyond statistics, his leadership, energy, and enthusiasm have made him a central figure in the clubhouse and a fan favorite in Arizona. His absence will undoubtedly be felt both on the diamond and in the morale of the team.
Despite the setback, there is reason for cautious optimism. Carroll has demonstrated resilience in the past, bouncing back from challenges and improving year over year. The Diamondbacks’ coaching and medical staff have a track record of managing young talent effectively, and the organization possesses a deep pool of promising prospects who may rise to the occasion. While the road to recovery may be challenging, Carroll’s long-term outlook remains bright, and when he returns, he is expected to reclaim his role as one of the league’s most exciting players.
As spring training progresses, fans and analysts will closely monitor the Diamondbacks’ outfield situation, watching how the team adapts to Carroll’s absence and which prospects step into more prominent roles. Meanwhile, Team USA will finalize its adjustments to the World Baseball Classic roster, hoping that the replacement for Carroll can contribute meaningfully to the team’s international ambitions. The intersection of injuries, roster depth, and international competition highlights the fragile balance that teams must maintain in professional baseball, where a single injury can ripple across multiple levels of competition.
In conclusion, the news of Corbin Carroll’s hamate bone injury is a significant development for both the Arizona Diamondbacks and Team USA. His surgery and subsequent recovery period will determine his availability for the World Baseball Classic and potentially for the start of the MLB season. While the Diamondbacks’ outfield depth will be tested, and Team USA will need to adjust its roster strategy, Carroll’s previous resilience and talent suggest that he will overcome this setback. Fans of both the Diamondbacks and the United States national team can only hope for a smooth surgery and successful rehabilitation, eagerly anticipating the day when Carroll returns to the field to showcase the speed, power, and skill that have made him one of baseball’s brightest young stars.
The weeks ahead will be a test of depth, adaptability, and patience, but if history is any guide, Carroll is likely to return to the lineup stronger and ready to make an impact, reaffirming his place among the game’s elite young players and giving fans a reason to stay excited about the season ahead.
