PHOENIX – Currently in the middle of an NL Wild Card Race, the Arizona Diamondbacks do not need another reason to worry about their lineup, especially with Nolan Arenado. They already know how difficult it can be to maintain offensive consistency over a long season. Now one of their most reliable bats is dealing with an injury that has already resurfaced once before.
What is the status of Nolan Arenado’s thumb injury?
Nolan Arenado left tonight’s game with right thumb inflammation.
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 16, 2026
Nolan Arenado left Tuesday’s game against the Miami Marlins because of right-thumb inflammation, raising an uncomfortable question for Arizona. How much can this team afford to lose from one of its few dependable offensive contributors? Arenado took three at-bats, collected a single and later appeared to sting the thumb on a lineout to right field in the fifth inning. He remained in the game through the sixth before being replaced by Jose Fernandez in the seventh.
May 13, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) scores run against the Texas Rangers ninth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Manager Torey Lovullo attempted to calm concerns afterward. “Arenado’s OK,” he said. “He got a base hit at the at-bat before the lineout, and he had just kind of stung his hand a little bit, his right thumb. So we thought, just get him off the field, get some treatment, get him back in the lineup tomorrow, which he is in the lineup,” per Arizona Sports.
Jul 9, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) points skyward after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
That update matters. So does the history. Arenado was scratched from Arizona’s lineup Aug. 27 because of the same thumb issue, only to return the following day. The recurring nature of the injury makes this more than a routine in-game precaution, particularly for a player whose offensive value has become increasingly important. Entering Tuesday, Arenado led the Diamondbacks with 25 home runs and was tied for the team RBI lead at 73. Those are not replaceable numbers, especially not casually.
May 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) bats against the Colorado Rockies during the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Fernandez’s late defensive error also illustrated the larger concern: Arizona cannot simply assume the production and stability lost from Arenado’s absence will be absorbed without consequences. The immediate expectation is that Arenado will return Wednesday, but the bigger issue is whether the thumb continues to linger. For the Diamondbacks, this is not about one missed at-bat or one night off. It is about protecting one of the few players who has consistently delivered when the lineup needs him most. A short-term issue could become a significant problem if Arizona is forced to navigate an important stretch without its veteran cornerstone.
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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
