Dbacks recap and notes

The Diamondbacks signed Sewald to a one-year, $1.5 million contract Thursday, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

Sewald was the Diamondbacks’ closer when they won the National League pennant in 2023 and opened the 2024 season in the role before eventually being replaced. He’ll turn 36 in May and was limited to just 19.2 innings in 2025 due to injuries, posting a 4.58 ERA and 20:6 K:BB between the Guardians and Tigers. Sewald might not have much left in the tank, but given of the state of Arizona’s bullpen, it wouldn’t be far-fetched that he winds up with some save opportunities.

Lawlar could see regular playing time in center field this spring, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

Lawlar came up through the system as a shortstop and was introduced to second and third base over the last couple of seasons. With established starters ahead of him in the infield, the plan, which began during winter ball, was to turn Lawlar into an outfielder. He was in line for playing time in left field this spring as part of a group of players that will fill in for the injured Lourdes Gurriel (knee). Those plans could change after the Diamondbacks lost another outfielder; right-fielder Corbin Carroll suffered a wrist injury Tuesday that will him keep out until at least the start of the regular season. As a replacement for Carroll, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo mused about shifting center-fielder Alek Thomas to right. That would give Lawlar an opportunity to acclimate to center field, which was the team’s first choice for the infielder-turned-outfielder.

Carroll underwent surgery on his right hand Wednesday after breaking the hamate bone a day earlier while taking a swing during live batting practice, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

It’s uncertain how long Carroll will be sidelined, but the Diamondbacks are holding out hope for a best-case scenario, which would have the outfielder return to action around Opening Day. Arizona’s outfield was already short-staffed, as left-fielder Lourdes Gurriel (knee) could be out until June. As for Carroll’s replacement, manager Torey Lovullo floated the idea of Alek Thomas moving from center to right field. The club has wanted to give prospect Jordan Lawlar — an infielder for much of his career — a look in center field. That would leave Tim Tawa and Jorge Barrosa to compete in left field.

Saalfrank (shoulder) said Wednesday that he expects to be sidelined 10-16 months, Arizona Sports reports.

Saalfrank underwent surgery Monday to repair the left labrum in his shoulder and has already been placed on the 60-day injured list. The rehab timeline gives the lefty a chance to be ready for the start of the 2027 season, but it is not a given.

Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand during a live batting practice session Tuesday and is slated to undergo surgery Wednesday, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.

The Diamondbacks likely won’t provide a recovery timeline for Carroll until surgery is completed, but the procedure on his non-dominant hand will cost him significant time this spring and prevent him from competing for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. The 25-year-old outfielder’s availability for the Diamondbacks’ March 26 season opener versus the Dodgers is also firmly in question.