Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll makes spring debut after hand surgery

Carroll went 0-for-3 with a pair of hard-hit balls in his first game action since undergoing surgery to remove a broken hamate bone in his right hand.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:09am

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll made his spring training debut on Wednesday, just one month after undergoing hand surgery. Carroll took three at-bats as the designated hitter, finishing 0-for-3 with a pair of hard-hit balls. He said his hand "felt fine" and that he's on track to be ready for Opening Day, despite the injury.

Why it matters

Carroll is a key part of the Diamondbacks' lineup and his quick recovery from hand surgery is a positive sign for the team. The Diamondbacks are hoping Carroll can build on his strong 2025 season and help the team contend in the NL West.

The details

Carroll faced hard-throwing right-hander Luis Morales in his first at-bat, smashing the second pitch into the ground for a groundout. The ball came off the bat at 113.6 mph, one of the hardest-hit balls Carroll had all of last season. He flew out to left field in his next at-bat and struck out after a couple foul balls against Morales to end his afternoon. Carroll did not wear a brace while hitting but used an axe handle bat, which he said felt "less painful."

  • On February 11, 2026, Corbin Carroll underwent surgery to remove a broken hamate bone in his right hand.
  • On March 11, 2026, Corbin Carroll made his spring training debut, just one month after his hand surgery.

The players

Corbin Carroll

An outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is recovering from hand surgery and making his spring training debut.

Luis Morales

A hard-throwing right-handed pitcher for the Oakland Athletics who Corbin Carroll faced in his spring training debut.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who expressed confidence in Corbin Carroll's recovery from hand surgery.

Zac Gallen

The Opening Day starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who is excited to have Corbin Carroll back in the lineup.

Ryne Nelson

A starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who said his goal is to start on Opening Day at some point in his career.

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What they’re saying

“It felt fine, obviously it's not going to feel perfect, but manageable. I'm just trying to work through it as best as I can and make sure I'm ready to go.”

— Corbin Carroll

“I think he's just one of those guys that his presence in the lineup and on the field just makes everybody that much better. Guys are excited he's back.”

— Zac Gallen, Opening Day starting pitcher

“They say that it takes a little time until you're fully recovered and feeling 100%. Corbin's clock is a little bit different than everybody's. I'm sure he's gonna feel something in there. It's not gonna be perfect.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager

What’s next

The Diamondbacks expect Corbin Carroll to DH a few more times as he works on defense behind the scenes to manage his build-up. The expectation is Carroll will be back in the lineup this weekend.

The takeaway

Corbin Carroll's quick return to the field after hand surgery is a testament to his determination and the Diamondbacks' confidence in his ability to contribute this season. While he may not feel 100% just yet, Carroll's presence in the lineup is a boost for the team as they look to contend in the NL West.