PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks have designated Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for assignment, potentially ending the tenure of an outfielder who played a key role in their 2023 World Series run but struggled after tearing his ACL last season.
The Diamondbacks announced the move before Sunday's game against Texas. Infielder Jose Fernandez was recalled from Triple-A Reno.
Gurriel is in the final guaranteed season of a $42 million, three-year contract. If he is released, Arizona would remain responsible for the $5 million buyout of a $14 million team option for 2027.
He has spent four seasons with the Diamondbacks, earning an All-Star selection in 2023 as the Diamondbacks reached the World Series for the second time.
Gurriel tore an ACL late in the 2025 and returned ahead of schedule on April 18. The 32-year-old Cuban struggled with more injuries and inconsistency, hitting .210 with two homers 22 RBIs in 51 games.
Gurriel spent his first five seasons with Toronto and is a career .271 hitter over nine big league seasons.
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The Associated Press
