The initial recovery timeline is as follows Lourdes Gurriel Jr.The torn ACL in September was nine to 10 months. The 32-year-old is determined to surpass that mark. “He said to me yesterday when I saw him,” said manager Torey Lovullo, via Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. “He feels so good.”
Lovullo admitted that Gurriel’s return for the start of the regular season is unlikely. He didn’t give a firm timeline, but the veteran appears to be making progress ahead of the original timeline. Ronald Acuna Jr. he had returned from his ACL tear in May last season, but was injured in May 2024. He’s also a few years younger than Gurriel.
Gurriel could have opted out of his three-year, $42MM contract this offseason, but surprisingly exercised his $13MM player option in November. He was unlikely to get a better deal on the open market due to injuries. Arizona has a $14MM option with a $5MM buyout on Gurriel for 2027.
The Diamondbacks got Gurriel once Gabriel Moreno from the Blue Jays for Daulton Varsho in December 2022. Gurriel had a strong season after his arrival, hitting a career-best 24 home runs and earning his lone All-Star selection. He played with the team again the following year. Gurriel’s wRC+ fell below league average for the first time last season, though he still managed 19 home runs and 10 steals.
Gurriel has been Arizona’s top left tackle the past two years, though that could change in 2026. John Gambadoro of 98.7FM Arizona Sports suggests Gurriel may split his time between DH and the outfield once he returns. More time for DH can allow a veteran to bounce back following major knee surgery. Arizona is currently looking Jordan Lawler again Jorge Barrosa as left field candidates, with Pavin Smith again Carlos Santana managing first base and DH.
Elsewhere around the division, the Dodgers gave updates to a pair of injured relievers. The right hand Brusdar Graterol had shoulder surgery in November 2024 and missed the entire 2025 campaign. The program is “play a little” his build this spring, manager Dave Roberts told reporters, including Jack Harris of The California Post.
The 27-year-old Graterol has long been an intriguing member of LA’s bullpen. Injuries prevented him from working with the team for most of the time. Graterol has been on the IL three separate times over the past four seasons with shoulder inflammation. A recent trip ended in surgery. Graterol also missed time and elbow swelling along the way.
The results were very good when Graterol was available. His 98 mph sinker collected ground balls at an impressive rate. Graterol’s hitting numbers were pedestrian, especially as a pitcher with high velocity and a dirty slider, but he posted a 2.78 ERA in 188 career appearances.
Friend is right Brock Stewart he is recovering from his own shoulder problems. The 34-year-old underwent off-season surgery that included shaving a bone spur, removing part of his femur, and removing his bursa, Harris said. Stewart doesn’t expect to be ready for Opening Day, but plans to be available “for most of the season.”
Stewart started with the Dodgers in 2016 as a starter. He stepped into the role, and ended up reviving his work as a librarian. LA got him from the Twins and he matched with an outfielder James Outman by the 2025 trade deadline. He played four games with the team before going down with a shoulder issue.
After three seasons away from the big leagues, Stewart put together an outstanding comeback year in 2023. He posted a 0.65 ERA with a whopping 35.8% strikeout rate over 28 appearances with the Twins. A strong first half this past season helped Stewart face Minnesota’s rush at the deadline.
The Dodgers stayed Edwin Diaz this offseason, but they haven’t done much to add to the fold. Evan Phillips he is back with the team as he has recovered from Tommy John surgery. His procedure was in June, so he may be behind both Stewart and Graterol in terms of the return timeline.
Photo courtesy of Rob Schumacher, Imagn Images
