The Arizona Diamondbacks are getting their starting left fielder back.
The Diamondbacks are activating Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from the injured list ahead of today's game against the Los Angeles Angels. In a corresponding move, top outfield prospect Ryan Waldschmidt was optioned to Triple-A Reno.
Gurriel has been sidelined since May 22 with a left hamstring strain he suffered against the Colorado Rockies.
Before the injury, the 32-year-old was off to a slow start in his fourth season with Arizona. He hit .228/.284/.304 with a .588 OPS, one home run, and 11 RBI in 92 at-bats.
However, Gurriel looked much better during his rehab assignment. He went 6-for-24 (.250) with one home run and eight RBI.
The veteran will jump right back into the lineup Monday night. Gurriel is batting fifth and serving as the designated hitter against the Angels.
Waldschmidt showed promise in his first taste of major league action, but he cooled off as time went on. He hit .259 with a .314 on-base percentage and no home runs.
Ultimately, Waldschmidt became the odd man out in what has turned into a crowded Arizona outfield. The Diamondbacks now have five capable outfielders on the roster: Gurriel, Corbin Carroll, Jorge Barrosa, Jordan Lawlar, and fellow top prospect Tommy Troy.
Because of that depth, Gurriel could see time at designated hitter as he works his way back into the lineup.
Barrosa has been outstanding defensively in center field this season. His glove remains valuable in Chase Field's spacious outfield, even while he hits below .200.
Meanwhile, Lawlar and Troy have both flashed intriguing offensive potential. Lawlar has made the most of his limited opportunities, hitting .320 with one home run and an .894 OPS in 25 at-bats. He can also play center field, making him and Barrosa the club's top options there if Carroll remains in right field.
Troy's bat has cooled after a strong start, but he did blast his second career home run in Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Reds. Manager Torey Lovullo will have to mix and match to find the best balance of offense and defense each day.
The Diamondbacks have stayed afloat despite their injuries. At 36-35, they remain one game above .500 after spending much of the season hovering around that mark. Perhaps Gurriel's return, combined with Lawlar's recent production, can provide the spark Arizona needs in the National League Wild Card race.
Either way, if the Diamondbacks can stay in contention through Aug. 3, they should be in position to buy at the trade deadline and strengthen their playoff push.
