The Arizona Diamondbacks and Team USA have suffered a significant blow ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Star outfielder Corbin Carroll will miss both the international tournament and a substantial portion of the upcoming MLB season after suffering a broken hamate bone in his right hand during batting practice on .
The injury occurred at Salt River Fields in Arizona, and Carroll is scheduled to undergo surgery today, according to reports. While a precise timetable for his return remains unclear, the injury is expected to sideline him for the majority of spring training and likely result in a stint on the injured list to begin the 2026 season.
This is a particularly unfortunate development for Team USA, who were counting on Carroll to be a key contributor in the World Baseball Classic in March. He joins Francisco Lindor of the Mets and Jackson Holliday of the Orioles as players entering the season rehabbing a broken hamate bone. The injury also casts a shadow over the Diamondbacks’ preparations for the 2026 season, following a strong bounce-back season in 2025 after a more challenging 2024.
The hamate bone is located in the hand and is crucial for grip strength and batting power. Fractures in this area are relatively common among baseball players, with Mike Trout and Jose Ramirez having previously dealt with similar injuries in recent years. Recovery typically ranges from four to eight weeks, but the injury can sometimes linger and affect a hitter’s performance even after returning to the field.
Carroll, the 2023 National League Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star, has established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic players. In 642 plate appearances last season, he hit .259 with 31 home runs, 32 doubles, 17 triples, and 32 stolen bases. He was also a significant contributor on the basepaths, providing more baserunning value than any other player in baseball according to FanGraphs’ BsR metric, and was 39% better than average at the plate by measure of wRC+.
The Diamondbacks’ outfield situation is now further complicated by Carroll’s injury. The team recently traded Jake McCarthy to the Rockies, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Is already expected to begin the season on the injured list while recovering from a torn ACL. This situation elevates the prospects of top prospect Jordan Lawlar, who was already transitioning from the infield to the outfield, and suggests he will likely begin the season in the outfield.
The loss of Carroll is a significant setback for both the Diamondbacks and Team USA. His combination of speed, power, and defensive ability made him a valuable asset, and his absence will be felt on both sides of the ball. While the Diamondbacks have expressed optimism about his eventual return, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery timeline leaves a considerable void in their lineup as they prepare for the 2026 season.
The injury also highlights the inherent risks of baseball, even during spring training. A seemingly routine batting practice session resulted in a potentially season-altering injury for one of the game’s brightest young stars. The Diamondbacks will provide further updates on Carroll’s recovery in the days ahead, but for now, the focus is on supporting him through the surgery and rehabilitation process.
For Team USA, the search for a replacement for Carroll in the World Baseball Classic roster begins immediately. Finding a player who can replicate his unique skillset will be a challenge, but the team will need to find a solution quickly as they prepare to compete against the world’s best baseball nations.
