Jordan Lawlar, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ top prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 8 overall prospect, made his long-awaited return from injury on Sunday while playing for the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles. Unfortunately, his comeback was challenging, as he went 1-for-5 at the plate with two strikeouts in the Sod Poodles’ close 7-6 loss to the Midland RockHounds.
Why Has Lawlar Played Only 14 Games This Year?
At just 22 years old, Lawlar has faced a series of injuries that have limited him to only 14 games this season. These injuries include issues with his thumb and hamstring, which have significantly impacted his playing time.
His most recent setback occurred on July 8 during a rehab game in the Arizona Complex League. While running from first to third base, Lawlar re-injured his left hamstring, leading to a recovery timeline of 6-8 weeks as estimated by D-backs manager Torey Lovullo. Prior to this injury, he had already dealt with a torn ligament in his thumb sustained at the end of spring training, which sidelined him for more than two months.
Lawlar’s Performance Before Injury
Before his injury struggles, Lawlar demonstrated impressive skill on the field. He made his return to Triple-A Reno on June 11, where he played four games and recorded an impressive 8-for-20 at the plate, including four extra-base hits. However, his time with Reno was cut short due to the hamstring strain he suffered while hitting a game-tying triple.
Last season, Lawlar had a stellar performance in the minor leagues, posting a slash line of .278/.378/.496, along with 20 home runs and 36 stolen bases while playing between Double-A Amarillo and Triple-A.
Brief Stint in the Majors
In 2023, Lawlar also had a brief stint in the major leagues after veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed was released. Unfortunately, this experience was less than ideal for Lawlar, as he struggled significantly at the plate. Over 14 games and 34 plate appearances, he managed only four hits while striking out 11 times.
Current Season Stats
Despite the interruptions in his season, Lawlar has shown potential. He is currently hitting .315 with an .897 OPS in the limited games he has played. His ability to perform at a high level when healthy demonstrates why he remains a top prospect for the Diamondbacks.
Looking Ahead
As Lawlar works to regain his form, both he and the Diamondbacks are hopeful that he can stay healthy for the remainder of the season. His return to the lineup is a positive sign for the team, and fans are eager to see him back on the field consistently.
Jordan Lawlar’s journey has had its challenges, but his talent and determination suggest a bright future ahead. Stay tuned for updates on Lawlar and the Arizona Diamondbacks as they continue their quest for success in the upcoming games.
