A broken bone, smaller than a quarter, has dealt a significant blow to the US baseball team's preparations for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The news broke like a thunderbolt on Wednesday, revealing that Diamondbacks' star outfielder, Corbin Carroll, suffered a broken hamate bone, sidelining him from the prestigious tournament.
Carroll's injury, which occurred during a routine batting practice session, has cast a shadow over his participation in the upcoming season opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The player underwent surgery on Wednesday, leaving his availability for the big game in doubt.
"It was an opportunity I was eagerly anticipating," Carroll shared on Thursday, referring to the World Baseball Classic. "Spending time with some of the best players in the world and representing my country would have been an immense honor."
The hamate bone, a tiny, hook-shaped bone located on the pinky side of the palm, plays a crucial role in transferring force from the forearm to the hand during gripping actions. For baseball players, this bone is particularly vulnerable to fractures due to the immense stress placed on it during batting.
"I took a swing, and it didn't feel right. I moved my hand around, and I could feel something wiggling inside," Carroll recalled. "I knew I had to get it checked out."
Despite the injury, Carroll is determined to stay in shape. He was spotted training at Salt River Fields on Thursday, just a day after his surgery, with a cast on his hand.
"The pain is minimal, and I'm focused on maintaining my fitness," he said. "Getting back to swinging the bat is my primary goal."
Manager Torey Lovullo has a plan to shuffle the outfield if Carroll's absence extends into the regular season. Alek Thomas and Jordan Lawlar are expected to fill the void in center field.
"Injuries are part of the game. We've seen a few more happen yesterday as well. When one of our best players goes down, we rally around them and offer emotional support," Lovullo said.
This unfortunate situation is not unique to Carroll. Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies suffered a similar fate last season, breaking his hamate bone after swinging at a pitch. Mets star shortstop Francisco Lindor and Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday, the top pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, have also recently endured hamate injuries. Notably, all three injuries occurred in the players' non-dominant hands, which absorb more force when gripping the bat.
Carroll, Lindor, and Holliday have all undergone surgery, with the procedure typically involving the removal of the hook of the bone rather than simply fixing the break. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this approach is preferred among athletes as it allows for a quicker return to normal activity once the incision heals, usually within three to four weeks.
However, full physical recovery may take longer than expected. Mike Trout, the Angels' outfielder, can attest to this. After undergoing a similar surgery in 2023, he attempted a return six weeks later but was placed back on the injured list for the remainder of the season, stating that he "wasn't right."
"While the initial recovery period is typically four to six weeks, hitters often report that their power takes months to fully return. The timeline for a hamate injury is straightforward, but achieving full health can be a longer process," ESPN's Jeff Passan wrote.
Carroll's current injury bears similarities to one he faced last June, when he suffered a hairline fracture on his wrist. Despite being cleared to return after just three weeks, Carroll struggled, managing only a .216 batting average in his first 21 games back. He hit just one home run during that span, a far cry from his impressive 31 homers over the course of the season.
The impact of such injuries on a player's performance cannot be overstated. As Carroll navigates his recovery, the baseball world awaits his return with anticipation.
