The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing a double blow as they place two key players, Michael Soroka and Jordan Lawlar, on the injured list. Soroka, a right-handed pitcher, is dealing with a strained left glute, while Lawlar, an outfielder, has a strained right hamstring. Both injuries occurred during the team's recent game against the Twins, adding to the Diamondbacks' mounting injury concerns.
Soroka, who signed a one-year, $7.5MM free agent deal with the team last December, has been a consistent and dominant force on the pitching staff. With a 3.07 ERA, 23.7% strikeout rate, and a 5.1% walk rate across 82 innings, he has become a crucial part of the rotation. His slurve pitch, which became a significant part of his arsenal last season, continues to be a dominant weapon in 2026, as he balances it with his four-seamer.
However, the Diamondbacks' rotation has been underperforming, with Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, and Ryne Nelson all pitching below expectations. Soroka's injury is a significant setback, as he was the most consistent member of the pitching staff. The team will now have to rely on their pitching depth chart, which includes Brandon Pfaadt, to fill the void.
Lawlar, on the other hand, has been a wild card heading into the 2026 campaign. After missing over two months of action recovering from a fractured wrist, he has only played in six games this season. His injury history, including hamstring strains, a thumb surgery, a shoulder surgery, and a fractured scapula, has raised concerns about his long-term health. Lawlar's lack of production and questions about his ideal defensive position have also contributed to the uncertainty surrounding his role on the team.
The Diamondbacks' outfield depth is also in flux. With Lawlar's potential absence, Jorge Barrosa and Max Kepler are likely to get more playing time. Kepler, who signed with the team on June 7 and is eligible to be activated on June 25, will add to the team's outfield depth. However, the team's innings crunch in the next few weeks due to a lack of off-days until the All-Star break will be a challenge for the coaching staff to manage.
In summary, the Diamondbacks are facing a challenging situation with their injuries and lineup decisions. Soroka's and Lawlar's injuries are a significant setback for the team, and the coaching staff will have to make strategic decisions to manage the team's depth and performance in the coming weeks.
