PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo gave a positive update on outfielder Jordan Lawlar after he was removed from Tuesday's game against the Chicago Cubs after being hit by a pitch.
Mar 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona , USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jordan Lawlar against the Los Angeles Dodgers during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The moment happened during the bottom of the eighth inning, with Lawlar at the plate facing Cubs reliever Daniel Palencia . Palencia unintentionally threw a 98.5 mph fastball toward Lawlar's head. The pitch struck Lawlar and broke the flap of his helmet, appearing to absorb some of the impact. He remained on the ground for several moments before eventually leaving the field under his own power.
While the initial moment made it look like Lawlar could have suffered a serious head injury, Lovullo's update provided some much-needed relief.
May 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Jordan Lawlar against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to Arizona Sports' Alex Weiner, Lovullo said Lawlar passed all concussion protocols after being removed from the game and was taken out as a precaution. More importantly, Lovullo said Lawlar is expected to play in Wednesday's game.
That is a major bullet dodged for the Diamondbacks, especially considering Lawlar had only recently returned from a hamstring injury that kept him out for two months. After finally getting back on the field and finding his footing again, the last thing Arizona needed was another significant injury to one of its young players.
Unfortunately for Lawlar, this isn't the first time this season that a hit-by-pitch has forced him out of a game. Earlier this year, he suffered a fractured right wrist after being hit by a pitch, costing him additional time on the injured list.
This time, however, it appears Lawlar avoided another serious setback. Assuming there are no issues overnight, he should be back in the lineup Wednesday as the Diamondbacks continue their series against the Cubs.
For Arizona, that is about as positive of an outcome as the team could have hoped for after what was an understandably scary moment at the plate.
May 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Jordan Lawlar against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The D-Backs went on to walk off the Cubs an inning later, gaining ground in the National League wild-card race and moving to just one game behind the San Diego Padres . Lawlar's speed, defense and bat will undoubtedly continue to play an important role in their push for a postseason berth.
But for Tuesday night, Lawlar, the Diamondbacks and fans can breathe a little easier knowing he's okay.
