D-backs Outfielder Gurriel Jr. Nears Miraculous Return From Torn ACL

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is set to rejoin the Arizona Diamondbacks lineup just 7.5 months after suffering a serious knee injury.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 3:49am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball player making a diving catch, with the player's body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in the Diamondbacks' team colors of red, teal, and black.Gurriel's miraculous recovery from a devastating knee injury will provide a much-needed spark for the Diamondbacks' lineup.Amarillo Today

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is nearing a return to the MLB lineup after suffering a torn ACL in September 2025. Gurriel has progressed much faster than expected, completing a successful two-game rehab stint with the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles and is now on the verge of being activated by the D-backs.

Why it matters

Gurriel's rapid recovery from a typically lengthy ACL injury is an impressive feat of medical and physical rehabilitation. His return will provide a major boost to the Diamondbacks' lineup as they look to compete in the NL West.

The details

After being carted off the field on September 1, 2025 with a torn ACL, Gurriel has worked tirelessly throughout the offseason and spring training to make an early return. He recently played 16 innings in the outfield during a two-game rehab stint with the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles, going 2-for-8 at the plate including a three-run homer.

  • Gurriel suffered the torn ACL on September 1, 2025.
  • Gurriel completed a successful two-game rehab stint with the Amarillo Sod Poodles in mid-April 2026.
  • Gurriel is expected to be activated and rejoin the Diamondbacks' lineup as early as April 18, 2026.

The players

Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

An outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks who suffered a torn ACL in September 2025 but is now nearing a miraculous return to the MLB lineup just 7.5 months later.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who has closely monitored Gurriel's recovery and is confident in his imminent return to the active roster.

Ketel Marte

The Diamondbacks' second baseman who has been dealing with lower back tightness and will be rested to keep him healthy for the full season.

Gabriel Moreno

The Diamondbacks' catcher who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left oblique strain, but is expected to make a quick recovery.

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What they’re saying

“Lourdes has done a great job. He sat in my office [seven] and a half months ago walking in on crutches post-surgery and promised me that he'd make this as quick a turnaround as possible.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager, Arizona Diamondbacks

“We've got to keep Ketel healthy. He's a very tightly-wound, twitchy athlete that has these issues that you and I don't have. He is going to have some problems with his body throughout the course of the year and we want to protect him.”

— Torey Lovullo, Manager, Arizona Diamondbacks

What’s next

Gurriel will travel back to Arizona on Friday, April 18 to be evaluated by the Diamondbacks' medical team. After that evaluation, a final decision will be made on when he will be activated and rejoin the Diamondbacks' lineup, potentially as early as Saturday, April 19.

The takeaway

Lourdes Gurriel Jr.'s remarkable recovery from a torn ACL in just 7.5 months showcases his dedication and the Diamondbacks' commitment to getting their star outfielder back on the field as soon as possible. His return will provide a major boost to the team's lineup and playoff aspirations.