The Arizona Diamondbacks were dealt a major blow this week, as star outfielder Corbin Carroll suffered a broken right hamate bone during a live batting practice session in Scottsdale, Arizona. According to Jeff Passan, Carroll is undergoing surgery and will miss significant time this spring.
The club has not officially confirmed a timetable for his return, but recovery from hamate-bone surgery typically ranges from four to six weeks. That timeline puts Carroll’s availability for Opening Day in jeopardy and officially rules him out of playing for Team USA in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Massive Impact for Team USA
Carroll had been expected to serve as one of Team USA’s starting outfielders in the World Baseball Classic. His absence leaves a notable void in the lineup, potentially opening the door for players like Byron Buxton to take on an expanded role. Team USA will now need to add another outfielder as a replacement.
For Carroll, missing the WBC is a significant personal setback. The opportunity to represent the United States on an international stage is a rare honor, and this injury forces him to put that dream on hold.
Diamondbacks Facing Early-Season Uncertainty
The injury is an even greater concern for Arizona. Since making his MLB debut in August 2022, Carroll has been the engine of the Diamondbacks’ offense. He captured the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 2023 and helped lead Arizona to a World Series appearance that same season.
After a slight dip in production in 2024, Carroll rebounded in 2025 with a dominant campaign. The two-time All-Star slashed .259/.343/.541 with a 140 OPS+, led the majors with 17 triples, hit a career-high 31 home runs, earned a Silver Slugger Award, and finished sixth in MVP voting.
The Diamondbacks are hopeful he can return by or shortly after Opening Day. However, hamate injuries often come with lingering effects, particularly when it comes to power production. Players frequently need additional time to regain full strength in their wrists and hands, meaning Carroll’s early-season home run output could be limited even if he returns on schedule.
Not an Isolated Case Around the League
Carroll is not alone in dealing with this type of injury this spring. Jackson Holliday of the Baltimore Orioles and Francisco Lindor of the New York Mets are also sidelined with hamate injuries during spring training.
Still, Carroll’s situation carries particularly heavy consequences given his central role in Arizona’s lineup and the global spotlight of the World Baseball Classic.
What Comes Next?
The next few weeks will determine whether Carroll can return in time for Opening Day or if the Diamondbacks will need to navigate the early portion of the season without their franchise cornerstone.
While the projected four-to-six-week recovery window provides optimism, history suggests patience will be key. Even once cleared, Carroll may need time before his trademark power and explosiveness fully return.
For now, the Diamondbacks and Team USA will be forced to move forward without one of baseball’s brightest young stars.
