The Diamondbacks announced a roster move, recalling infielder Jordan Lawlar and left-hander Brandyn Garcia. First baseman Pavin Smith has been placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to August 28, due to a strained left squad, and right-hander Taylor Rashi has been optioned to Triple-A Reno.
Lawlar, now 23, has long been viewed as one of baseball’s top prospects. He climbed to the majors late in 2023 just after his 21st birthday, but his initial big-league stint was rough, posting a .129/.206/.129 line in his first 34 plate appearances. With the Diamondbacks contending that season, it wasn’t a good time to test a rookie and risk more growing pains.
Heading into 2024, the club wasn’t ready to hand Lawlar a full major-league job given his youth and those early numbers. They already had Geraldo Perdomo and Ketel Marte in the middle, and although third base was a potential landing spot, Arizona instead traded for Eugenio Suárez from the Mariners, who had one guaranteed year left on his contract at the time.
Lawlar could have forced his way into major-league time when Geno struggled early in 2024, but a thumb surgery in March sidelined him for months. A hamstring injury later cost him additional time, limiting him to just 23 minor-league games that year. Suárez, meanwhile, surged in the second half, which helped Arizona pick up his $15 million option for 2025.
That left Lawlar fairly blocked for big-league action in 2024. He did post standout numbers in Triple-A, hitting .336/.413/.579 through mid-May and seemingly forcing a call-up. He was promoted on May 12 but optioned back down on May 29 after eight games and 22 plate appearances; the sporadic playing time didn’t suit him, and he didn’t collect a hit in that stint.
The Diamondbacks later traded Suárez back to the Mariners at the trade deadline, and Lawlar’s path to steady big-league time looked even more plausible. He had returned from a hamstring strain in late June and, after a brief minor-league return stretch, was back in consideration for regular big-league at-bats in the season’s final weeks.
With the final month ahead, the Diamondbacks intend to give Lawlar more regular major-league playing time to evaluate his readiness for a long-term role. His performance could influence how the club approaches the hot corner in the offseason. Lawlar still has one option remaining after this season, so a 2026 opening isn’t guaranteed, but the organization appears inclined to let him prove himself at the highest level.
The front office also faces broader strategic questions. The team moved Merrill Kelly at the trade deadline, and while Zac Gallen remains, he is an impending free agent. Corbin Burnes reportedly underwent Tommy John surgery and may miss part of 2026, and the bullpen lost Justin Martínez and A.J. Puk to UCL surgeries. With those pitching uncertainties, Arizona is expected to look for pitching this winter, and outfield upgrades could also be on the docket given struggles from Alek Thomas and Jake McCarthy.
In short, Lawlar’s recall signals a real chance for him to show what he can do with regular playing time down the stretch, a development that could shape the Diamondbacks’ plans for 2025 and beyond. Blaze Alexander may also factor into third-base considerations, depending on how the rest of the offseason shapes up.
What to watch next:
– How Lawlar handles daily playing time at the major-league level and whether he solidifies a regular role down the stretch.
– The Diamondbacks’ decisions on pitching depth and potential moves to shore up the rotation and bullpen in the offseason.
– Whether Lawlar and Alexander push the organization to commit to a young infield core at third base in 2026.