PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks aren’t waiting around to make the necessary moves to help themselves late in the regular season, designating veteran outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for assignment Sunday morning.
Rookie infielder Jose Fernandez was recalled from Triple-A Reno in the corresponding move.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/0WFuVwmiSD
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 13, 2026
Gurriel’s departure marks a notable end to a tenure that included an All-Star selection and a key role in Arizona’s run to the 2023 World Series. However, his 2026 season was derailed by injuries and inconsistent production.
The 32-year-old outfielder missed the start of the year while recovering from a torn right ACL he sustained during the 2025 season. He didn’t make his 2026 season debut until April 18 and then spent time on the injured list with a left hamstring strain and right adductor strain.
Sep 11, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (12) reacts after hitting a single against the Texas Rangers in the second inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Those setbacks limited him to 51 games, and he struggled to regain his form, batting .210 with 39 hits, 22 RBIs and a .544 OPS in 186 at-bats — below the production the Diamondbacks received from him during his first few seasons with the club.
With the regular season winding down, the D-Backs don’t have much time to wait for players to get healthy or find their form.
Sep 8, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (12) hits a one-run triple against the Kansas City Royals during the eleventh inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Snakes continue to fight for the final National League wild-card spot, having slipped 1.5 games behind the San Diego Padres on Saturday after falling to the Texas Rangers 6-2. With the playoff race tightening, there is even less room for error and a greater need for players who can make an immediate impact.
That could mean grinding out at-bats, providing dependable defense or simply being healthy enough to contribute every day. Fernandez gives Arizona another option as it navigates the final stretch of the season and looks for whatever spark it can find.
Jun 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a three run home run in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The move closes a difficult season for Gurriel and potentially his time in Arizona, but the Diamondbacks appear focused on finding the pieces best equipped to help them immediately.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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