Full Breakdown
Diamondbacks Place Soroka, Lawlar on Injured List Amid Rotation Crisis
6/21/2026, 5:43:07 AM
Soroka and Lawlar Land on Injured List
On June 19, 2026 the Arizona Diamondbacks placed right-hander Michael Soroka on the 15-day IL with a glute strain and utilityman Jordan Lawlar on the IL with a right hamstring strain. Both underwent MRIs Saturday and are expected to miss at least four weeks.
Recent Injury Avalanche
The injuries follow a recent rash of setbacks: Ryne Nelson entered the IL with a sprained UCL and forearm strain, and Corbin Burnes suffered a shoulder setback in his Tommy John rehab, keeping him out until September. The D-backs entered the series with ten relievers and a rotation already thin.
Key Players & Stats
Soroka (28) is 8-3 with a 3.07 ERA (3.11 in 81 innings per one source) and a $7.5 M contract; he has nine prior IL stints, including a two-year Achilles absence. Lawlar (23) is hitting .316/.409/.556 after returning from a 60-day IL for a fractured wrist. The club recalled left-hander Philip Abner and utilityman Tim Tawa, who posted a .351/.439/.772 line (1.211 OPS) in Triple-A Reno.
Impact on Rotation
With Soroka and Lawlar sidelined, the rotation falls to nine starters and the bench loses a versatile defender. The injuries also jeopardize GM Mike Hazen’s buyer plan at the trade deadline, prompting consideration of internal options like prospect Ryan Waldschmidt.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Torey Lovullo said the club “has been brutal” and confirmed both players will miss at least four weeks. Soroka, after the game, expressed optimism about a short recovery. Hazen reiterated the intent to be a buyer at the deadline but warned injuries could force a strategy shift.
Criticism & Concerns
Analysts caution that hamstring injuries “can be tricky” and note the D-backs’ pitching depth is now “in disarray,” raising doubts about the team’s ability to remain competitive without additional roster moves.
On-the-Ground Details
Soroka threw nine pitches in the first inning before limping off after a warm-up pitch in the second. Lawlar exited in the ninth after legging out a bunt single that was initially called out, then overturned after a challenge.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on Soroka’s injury: ESPN lists a posterior left hip strain, while SI cites a left glute strain. Lawlar’s IL designation varies between 10-day and 15-day. No precise return date has been given beyond Soroka’s optimism for minimal downtime.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's been brutal,” — Torey Lovullo, manager
- “Haven’t heard anything definitively on Jordan Lawlar or Michael Soroka but have heard Tim Tawa is returning.” — John Gambadoro, Arizona Sports
- “| Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images It's been a tough road for Lawlar in terms of injury.” — SI analysis
- “Suddenly losing two starters within 24 hours could completely change the complexion of the season for Arizona.” — Jack Sommers, beat writer
What’s Next
The D-backs are expected to evaluate additional call-ups, including Ryan Waldschmidt, before the trade deadline. Further IL placements or roster moves may follow as medical evaluations conclude.
