This page may contain affiliate links. If you click and sign up, make a deposit, or place a wager, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
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.
... See More... See Less
Diamondbacks' Jordan Lawlar: Clearer path to roster
Rotowire
General manager Mike Hazen said that Lawlar will get the majority of his reps in the outfield this spring, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.
Hazen spoke to the media following a trade that sent Blaze Alexander -- the team's presumed starting left fielder -- to the Orioles on Thursday. Hazen said that the team remains open to Lawlar playing some in the infield, but that his clearest path to the roster will come either in center or left field. Alexander's departure could lead to Lawlar finally getting consistent run in the majors, but he'll need a strong spring to bolster his case.
Diamondbacks' Jordan Lawlar: Spring outfield reps likely
Rotowire
Lawlar is expected to play center field in addition to reps in the infield during spring training, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.
After seeing Lawlar's struggles at third base last season, the Diamondbacks gave him center field reps during the Dominican Winter League but not a ton, according to Gilbert. As such, the organization will give him a serious look there this spring. There's a need in the outfield after Arizona traded Jake McCarthy to Colorado for right-handed pitching prospect Josh Grosz. That move, along with Lourdes Gurriel (knee) possibly missing the first half of the season, leaves the outfield in a state of uncertainty. Corbin Carroll will hold down right field while Alek Thomas is likely to start in center field against righties. Beyond that, Lawlar is in the mix along with Blaze Alexander, Jorge Barrosa, Tim Tawa and possibly top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt.
Diamondbacks' Jordan Lawlar: Plays center field in winter ball
Rotowire
Lawlar played center field Tuesday in his first game with Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter League.
Lawlar has never played the outfield as a pro, but he's being introduced to center field in winter ball as the Diamondbacks evaluate how the 23-year-old fits into their roster picture for 2026. The former top prospect is a shortstop by trade, but that position is being held down by Geraldo Perdomo with the big club. Lawlar played some third base last season for the Diamondbacks, but manager Torey Lovullo shied away from him down the stretch during their playoff push due to defense, instead preferring Blaze Alexander there. The hot corner is still an option for Lawlar, but a successful transition to outfield would solve a problem for the Diamondbacks, who will be without Lourdes Gurriel (knee) for most of the season. Lawlar's offensive potential is considered better than that of either Alek Thomas or Jake McCarthy.
Diamondbacks' Jordan Lawlar: Heading to winter ball
Rotowire
Lawlar will play winter ball in the Dominican Republic, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.
The Diamondbacks need to find a home for Lawlar, who was drafted as a shortstop but is blocked at the position by Geraldo Perdomo, and the plan is to use him at a couple of positions in the DR. During his late-season call-up, Lawlar played third base, but shaky mechanics and footwork led to him being primarily a DH. In winter ball, he's expected to get regular reps at third base and in center field.
Lawlar went 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI in Tuesday's 6-5 win over San Francisco.
Lawlar entered in the sixth inning and stayed in the game as the designated hitter. His 44.7-mph, check-swing roller to first base with the bases loaded was enough to plate the winning run and walk off the Giants. The 23-year-old prospect has produced following an 0-for-30 run in the majors this season. Lawlar has hit safely in eight of his last 10 appearances (six starts), going 9-for-26 (.346) with six doubles, five RBI, two steals and five runs scored.
10:09
10:03
11:48
9:23
10:26
0:20
1:15
0:33
10:43
0:56
0:57
0:59
1:50
0:42
1:42
0:34
