From a fantasy perspective, things went from bad to worse for Jordan Lawlar to start the year. The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned Lawlar to Triple-A Reno before Opening Day, and the shortstop then underwent surgery to repair a ruptured UCL in his right thumb shortly thereafter that would sideline him for a couple of months.
Lawlar had a five-week postoperative follow-up back in early May, but a call-up before the end of May can be safely ruled out.
Does Lawlar have a chance to join the major league roster sometime in June or July, though? Let’s find out.
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Jordan Lawlar Prospect Update for Fantasy Baseball
There was some hope that Lawlar, Arizona's No. 1 prospect and baseball's No. 9 prospect for 2024 (per MLB Pipeline), would open the year in the major leagues following a promotion in late 2023. After he hit just .129 (4-for-31) in the bigs last season and .176 (3-for-17) during spring training this year, however, the D-backs decided Lawlar may need a little more time to develop in the minors.
Jordan Lawlar is a nice dynasty buy right now.
1) Perceived value has dipped a bit since he debuted
2) Upside is a .260+/20+/25+ shortstop#FantasyBaseball #DBackspic.twitter.com/dxRlRaLZ2Q— Eric Cross (@EricCross04) January 15, 2024
With that said, Lawlar lines up to at least begin a minor league rehab assignment in early June if all continues to go well in his recovery. Although it’s unclear how much time he might spend on the farm, the young infielder should pick up right where he left off a year ago after slashing a robust .358/.438/.612 with five home runs, 19 RBI, 24 runs scored, and three stolen bases through just 16 games (80 plate appearances) at the Triple-A level.
Jordan Lawlar Outlook for Fantasy Baseball
The 21-year-old former No. 6 overall pick is certainly the club's future shortstop, but fantasy managers will have to wait a bit longer to see him in action for 2024. Following a surprise All-Star campaign, the switch-hitting Geraldo Perdomo was set to man short in the desert for the time being but has been limited to seven games due to a torn right meniscus.
Jordan Lawlar is getting the call! He has been an elite hitter the last few months.
Through May 24: 151 PA .168/.298/.336 5 HR/68% contact
Since:
339 PA .325/.416/.565 15 HR/78% contact
Average EVs this year(103 mph 90th) could be a 20/30 threatpic.twitter.com/2hoqJSDrhv— Chris Clegg (@RotoClegg) September 7, 2023
While Lawlar is not a must-hold player in redraft leagues, he could be called up shortly after he’s ready to return from the injury and belongs on all watchlists. Lawlar’s speed is his calling card (99th-percentile sprint speed), and Arizona sits in the bottom five of MLB in stolen bases.
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