Diamondbacks reinstate veteran outfielder from injured list

According to Arizona Central’s Nick Piecoro, the Diamondbacks are activating outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. from the 10-day injured list. In a corresponding move, rookie outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt will be optioned to Triple-A Reno.

The move brings back one of Arizona’s most productive veteran bats while providing Waldschmidt an opportunity to continue his development with regular playing time. For Waldschmidt, the assignment to Reno is not necessarily a setback, as it will allow him to receive everyday at-bats rather than limited opportunities at the major league level.

Gurriel has been sidelined since May 22 against the Colorado Rockies, when he left the game early with a strained left hamstring after making a sliding catch in the sixth inning. Arizona has missed both his veteran presence and run production during his time on the injured list.

The outfielder completed a rehab assignment in which he went 6-for-24 (.250) with one home run and eight RBIs, showing he is ready to return to the major leagues. The activation also comes at an important time for the D-Backs as they continue searching for more offensive consistency before reaching the midpoint of the season.

Another benefit of the transaction is that Arizona did not need to make any changes to its 40-man roster, without the need to expose another player to waivers or make additional roster moves.

The Diamondbacks will open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels on Monday at 6:40 p.m.