Diamondbacks Activate Outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. After ACL Recovery

Gurriel Jr. returns to the lineup less than 8 months after undergoing knee surgery.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:22pm

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring a baseball player sliding into a base, with vibrant neon brushstrokes and dynamic movement capturing the raw athleticism of the sport.Gurriel Jr.'s accelerated return from ACL surgery injects new energy into the Diamondbacks' lineup as they battle for position in the NL West.San Diego Today

The Arizona Diamondbacks have reinstated outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from the 60-day injured list, marking his return to the active roster less than eight months after undergoing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Gurriel Jr. suffered the injury during spring training in March 2025, sidelining him for the majority of the 2025 season. The Diamondbacks' medical staff oversaw an accelerated rehabilitation protocol that allowed Gurriel Jr. to begin baseball activities in January 2026 and gradually integrate into full-team practices by mid-March.

Why it matters

Gurriel Jr.'s return provides a significant boost to the Diamondbacks' lineup, adding an experienced left-handed bat and defensive versatility to the outfield. His activation comes as the team navigates a competitive NL West race, currently sitting third in the division behind the Dodgers and Padres. Gurriel Jr.'s ability to play both corner outfield positions will give manager Torey Lovullo more lineup flexibility as the Diamondbacks look to improve their 9-11 start to the 2026 season.

The details

To create roster space for Gurriel Jr.'s return, the Diamondbacks designated infielder Luken Baker for assignment. Baker, who was acquired off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates in November 2025, appeared in 12 games for Arizona this season, batting .182 with two runs batted in and no home runs. Gurriel Jr. has participated in simulated games and live batting practice over the past two weeks, demonstrating restored range of motion, explosive lateral movement, and consistent swing mechanics.

  • Gurriel Jr. suffered the ACL tear during spring training in March 2025.
  • He began baseball-specific drills in January 2026.
  • Gurriel Jr. was gradually integrated into full-team practices by mid-March 2026.
  • The Diamondbacks reinstated Gurriel Jr. from the 60-day injured list on April 18, 2026.
  • Gurriel Jr. could make his 2026 season debut as early as the Diamondbacks' upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays beginning April 25.

The players

Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

An outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is returning to the active roster after recovering from an ACL tear suffered during spring training in 2025.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Luken Baker

An infielder who was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks to create roster space for Gurriel Jr.'s return.

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What’s next

Gurriel Jr. could make his 2026 season debut as early as the Diamondbacks' upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays beginning April 25.

The takeaway

Gurriel Jr.'s return from a significant knee injury provides a timely boost to the Diamondbacks' lineup and outfield depth as the team looks to climb the competitive NL West standings early in the 2026 season.