KANSAS CITY – Surviving the final weeks of the season without Corbin Carroll could be a recipe for disaster for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Only time will tell how serious Carroll’s back injury is, but the recent update isn’t a good one. Carroll is out of Arizona’s lineup for a second consecutive game Wednesday because of low back discomfort, according to Arizona Republic reporter Nick Piecoro. More importantly, Carroll is scheduled to undergo imaging Thursday.
Aug 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll to receive imaging on back:
Corbin Carroll out of lineup Wednesday with low back discomfort, per @nickpiecoro.
Carroll will receive imaging on Thursday.
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) September 9, 2026
That changes the conversation, as Arizona is in the middle of a legitimate playoff push, currently occupying the National League’s third wild-card position, but facing a surge from their divisional foe the San Diego Padres. The Diamondbacks have also won four straight games, but losing Carroll remains uniquely important.
May 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) reacts with Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) after getting hit a with a throw after sliding into third base with a triple against the San Francisco Giants and scoring a run on a throwing error during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
His recent offensive struggles make the timing especially frustrating. Since the All-Star break, he has hit just .215 with six home runs and 11 stolen bases over 48 games. Yet even a struggling Carroll provides something few players can replicate with game-changing speed, defensive range, and the threat of creating offense without a hit.
Sep 20, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (7) bats against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
That is why Thursday’s imaging matters so much. The Diamondbacks need him healthy enough to be the explosive weapon who can change a playoff game with one swing, one stolen base, or one defensive play. If the imaging reveals a significant issue and Carroll misses an extended stretch, Arizona suddenly loses one of its biggest October advantages.
The Diamondbacks have built enough depth to withstand short-term absences. But with the postseason approaching, losing Carroll for the rest of the wild-card race could be the kind of injury that changes the entire trajectory of their season.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
