The initial recovery timeline following Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s torn ACL in September was nine to 10 months. The 32-year-old outfielder is determined to beat that estimate. “He said Opening Day to me yesterday when I saw him,” manager Torey Lovullo said, relayed by Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports. “That’s how good he’s feeling.”
Lovullo acknowledged that Gurriel getting back for the start of the regular season isn’t happening. He didn’t give a firm timeline, but the veteran does appear to be progressing ahead of the initial timeline. Ronald Acuna Jr. was back from his ACL tear by May last season, but his injury occurred in May 2024. He’s also a few years younger than Gurriel.
Gurriel could’ve opted out of his three-year, $42MM contract this offseason, but unsurprisingly exercised his $13MM player option in November. He was unlikely to garner a better deal on the open market given the injury. Arizona has a $14MM option with a $5MM buyout on Gurriel for 2027.
The Diamondbacks acquired Gurriel and Gabriel Moreno from the Blue Jays for Daulton Varsho in December 2022. Gurriel had a strong season after coming over, socking a career-best 24 home runs and earning his lone All-Star selection. He re-upped with the club the following year. Gurriel’s wRC+ slipped below league average for the first time last season, though he still managed 19 home runs and 10 steals.
Gurriel has been Arizona’s primary left fielder the past two years, though that could change in 2026. John Gambadoro of 98.7FM Arizona Sports suggests Gurriel could split his time between DH and the outfield once he comes back. More DH time would allow the veteran to ease back in following major knee surgery. Arizona is currently looking at Jordan Lawlar and Jorge Barrosa as left field candidates, with Pavin Smith and Carlos Santana handling first base and DH.
Elsewhere around the division, the Dodgers offered updates on a pair of injured relievers. Right-hander Brusdar Graterol had shoulder surgery in November 2024 and missed the entire 2025 campaign. The plan is to “slow play” his build-up this spring, manager Dave Roberts told reporters, including Jack Harris of The California Post. Graterol’s availability for Opening Day is unclear.
The 27-year-old Graterol has long been an intriguing member of L.A.’s bullpen. Injuries have hindered him for the majority of his tenure with the club. Graterol has been on the IL three separate times over the past four seasons with shoulder inflammation. The most recent trip ended with surgery. Graterol also missed time with elbow inflammation along the way.
The results have been excellent when Graterol is available. His 98 mph sinker has racked up ground balls at an impressive rate. Graterol’s strikeout numbers have been pedestrian, especially for a pitcher with top-tier velocity and a filthy slider, but he’s posted a 2.78 ERA across 188 career appearances.
Fellow righty Brock Stewart is recovering from shoulder problems of his own. The 34-year-old had offseason surgery that included shaving a bone spur, removing part of his collarbone, and taking out his bursa, relayed Harris. Stewart isn’t expecting to be ready for Opening Day, but plans to be available “for the majority of the season.”
Stewart debuted with the Dodgers in 2016 as a starter. He flopped in the role, ultimately reviving his career as a reliever. L.A. acquired him from the Twins straight up for outfielder James Outman at the 2025 trade deadline. He pitched in four games with the club before going down with the shoulder issue.
After three seasons away from the big leagues, Stewart put together a dominant comeback year in 2023. He posted a 0.65 ERA with a massive 35.8% strikeout rate over 28 appearances with the Twins. A solid first half this past season helped Stewart get dealt during Minnesota’s flurry of reliever trades at the deadline.
The Dodgers landed Edwin Diaz this offseason, but haven’t done much else to add to the bullpen. Evan Phillips is also back with the club as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. His procedure was in June, so he’s probably behind both Stewart and Graterol in terms of a return timeline.
Photo courtesy of Rob Schumacher, Imagn Images
How about the Twins get Brock Stewart back we would be happy to give Outman to the Dodgers again I’m convinced his rookie year isn’t going to be repeated again.