Jake

McCarthy

Both players are arbitration-eligible, so this would be a move to free up salary cap space; however, Piecoro also notes that the Diamondbacks believe they have plenty of options to move into that vacated outfield role, including Jorge Barossa, Tim Tawa, Blaze Alexander, and even Jordan Lawlar, who has been playing center field this winter. Nothing is imminent, but this remains a story to watch because of what it could mean for Lawlar or Tawa’s playing time.

McCarthy gave the D-backs an early 3-0 cushion with a three-run three-bagger off Logan Webb. Arizona would be outscored 11-2 for the remainder of the game. Baseball is hard. McCarthy is proof that the sport is difficult as he’s slashing .196/.246/.325 in his limited action with the Diamondbacks in 2025.

The 28-year-old outfielder drove in a run with a fielder’s choice in the second inning to get the Diamondbacks on the board. He also drove in a run with an RBI single in the fourth inning that increased the Diamondbacks’ advantage to 4-1. For the season, he’s now hitting .200/.251/.323 with three homers, 15 RBI and six stolen bases over 168 plate appearances.

The D-backs didn’t have a diagnosis for Gurriel’s injury after the game. He was hurt in the sixth inning against the Rangers as he tried to avoid a collision with Blaze Alexander in left-center. Alexander and Jake McCarthy are due for additional playing time while he’s out.

Gurriel was hurt while trying to avoid center fielder Blaze Alexander, who was in the process of making an excellent diving catch in left center. One imagines he’ll be out for quite some time, which will create more time for Alexander and Jake McCarthy in the outfield.

The Diamondbacks are not locked into the “seller” role, but unless something changes in the next few weeks, it would be smart of them to consider offers for players who are not likely to be part of their future. Grichuk seems to be the most likely to be dealt since he’s playing on a one-year contract with a mutual option for next season. Gurriel has $13 million guaranteed for 2026, which could make it harder for the Diamondbacks to find a trade partner for him, and they may be less inclined to trade Thomas, who used to be one of the top prospects in baseball and is under team control for a few more years.

There’s little incentive for the Diamondbacks to take any chances with next week’s extended All-Star break on the horizon. It’ll be Jake McCarthy taking over in center field and Randal Grichuk entering the lineup at DH on Tuesday night against the Padres.

McCarthy took Hayden Birdsong deep for a three-run homer in the fourth inning to give the Diamondbacks the lead. He now has a hit in six straight games since he was recalled from Triple-A. The 27-year-old outfielder has started every game at right field over the last week in Corbin Carroll’s absence.

McCarthy also drew a walk and scored another run. The homer is his first in the majors in 2025, while the steal is just the second. McCarthy showed flashes of being a fantasy option a few years ago, but these games have just been too few and too far between.

McCarthy will get another chance after batting .314/.401/.440 in 49 games for Triple-A Reno. That line sounds OK, but it’s Reno; McCarthy hit .369/.457/.597 in his first stay there in 2022 and .360/.414/.594 in 45 games there in 2023. Odds are that McCarthy will be a liability as a likely starter against righties, though since he can steal bases, he might offer a little fantasy value in deeper leagues.