CINCINNATI – Before the series opener at Great American Ball Park against the Reds, the Diamondbacks officially reinstated top prospect Jordan Lawlar from the 60-day injured list and subsequently designated veteran backup catcher Aramis Garcia for assignment to clear the necessary 26-man and 40-man roster spots.
Lawlar's return marks the end of a frustrating nine-week absence. The 23-year-old outfielder's campaign was halted during an April 2 game against the Atlanta Braves. Just hours after launching his first career Major League home run, Lawlar was struck by a 94.3 mph fastball from reliever Osvaldo Bido, resulting in a fractured right wrist.
The injury interrupted an encouraging start where Lawlar had hit .333 over six games and was actively adjusting to a permanent defensive shift from the infield to the outfield. Following a comprehensive rehab assignment split between the Arizona Complex League and Triple-A Reno, Lawlar's activation adds critical athletic depth to a scuffling Diamondbacks lineup. Manager Torey Lovullo will now look to integrate Lawlar's speed and dynamic bat into the everyday mix.
To facilitate Lawlar's addition to a full 40-man roster, the Diamondbacks chose to cut ties with Garcia. The journeyman catcher had filled an important organizational depth role, notably providing coverage during periods when starter Gabriel Moreno was sidelined. However, with Moreno healthy, James McCann on the roster and prospect Adrian Del Castillo establishing himself as a primary backup option, Garcia became expendable in the face of a severe roster crunch.
Because this marks the second time this season that Garcia has been designated for assignment by the club, he will once again head to the waiver wire, where other teams can claim him, or the Diamondbacks can attempt to outright him to Triple-A Reno.