Diamondbacks top prospect Jordan Lawlar makes key step in recovery from right thumb surgery

Lawlar, 21, was the consensus top prospect in the Diamondbacks farm system, and a consensus Top 15 prospect by most prospect evaluations, despite a tough first stint at the major league level. The combination of age, skill with the glove and bat, and maturity well beyond his years profiles well for an above-average regular at the shortstop position.

The Diamondbacks have been hurting at the shortstop position in the early portion of the season. In addition to Lawlar’s injury, starting shortstop Geraldo Perdomo has been out since April 3 with a torn meniscus in his right knee and subsequent surgery. Blaze Alexander, who was tabbed as the backup shortstop out of camp, has been one of the worst defenders at the position. That caused them to turn to Kevin Newman, who has done an admirable job of filling in at the position.

Lawlar made his major league debut with the Diamondbacks last season, batting .129 in 14 games before getting sidelined for the team’s postseason run. Perdomo was named the starting shortstop at the start of camp by manager Torey Lovullo. He was optioned to Triple-A Reno on March 10. Just days before the season, Lawlar jammed his thumb during defensive drills.

The long-term expectation is that Jordan Lawlar takes over the shortstop position over Perdomo. He has the defensive tools to stick at shortstop, it’s just a matter of getting more consistent with the bat. He’ll have a chance to get more reps playing everyday in Reno, waiting for another major league opportunity.