Jordan Lawlar’s has been challenging for both him and the Arizona Diamondbacks, marked by multiple trips to the Injured List due to various injuries. His season took a rough turn right before it began, as Lawlar was placed on the 60-day IL on March 28 due to a torn left thumb ligament. Although he returned to action on May 29 for a rehab assignment, he found himself sidelined again on June 17 with a strained left hamstring. As a result, Lawlar has managed to play just 14 games this season across three different levels of the minor leagues: the ACL D-backs, Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles, and Triple-A Reno Aces.
Limited Action but Promising Performance
The majority of Lawlar’s playing time came with the ACL D-backs, where he participated in nine games. Despite the limited opportunities, he made an impact during his time with the Reno Aces, showcasing his talent by hitting .400 over four games, accompanied by an impressive .750 slugging percentage. In this brief stint, Lawlar recorded eight hits, including two doubles, a triple, and a home run, driving in eight runs in total.
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite a frustrating season, Lawlar remains a top prospect in Major League Baseball. Currently ranked as the No. 9 prospect by MLB Pipeline, he consistently features in the top-10 across various publications and holds the title of the Diamondbacks’ No. 1 prospect. At just 22 years old, he still has a promising future, even with the setbacks he has faced this year.
Winter Ball in the Dominican Republic
In light of his limited playtime this season, Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo indicated that Lawlar would participate in winter ball to regain momentum. It has now been confirmed that Lawlar will play for the Licey Tigers in the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM). This opportunity will allow him to gain valuable experience and increase his at-bat totals as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Lawlar is expected to take on a crucial role at shortstop for the Tigers, where he should play regularly. “An experienced and versatile player who can help us in the middle of the infield. His ability to steal bases, high knowledge of the strike zone, and discipline at the plate fit perfectly with our roster planning,” said Audo Vicente, the VP of operations and general manager of the Licey Tigers.
Jordan Lawlar’s journey through has certainly had its ups and downs. With his impressive skill set and determination, he looks to make the most of his winter ball experience in the Dominican Republic. As he continues to develop and hone his abilities, Diamondbacks fans can remain optimistic about his future contributions to the team.
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