Mar 18, 2026; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Carlos Santana (41) makes the play against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Diamondbacks Veteran Infielder Leaves Game With Injury

Originally posted on Arizona Diamondbacks on SI
By Alex D'Agostino | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 4:49 PM ET

Arizona Diamondbacks veteran first baseman Carlos Santana was removed from the D-backs' series finale matchup with the Atlanta Braves after appearing to tweak something on a check-swing in the bottom of the second inning.

Santana did talk his way into finishing his at-bat after the initial swing. He then came away with a bloop single to left field. But as Santana limped to first base, it was clear he could not continue.

Santana was taken out, with veteran utility infielder Ildemaro Vargas pinch-running. The inning ended after Tim Tawa grounded into a double play. As of this writing, there is no clear indication just what the injury was, nor its severity. Diamondbacks On SI will continue to report on the situation.

Carlos Santana leaves Diamondbacks game with injury

Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Santana, 39, has not had a particularly explosive start to his tenure in Arizona. The former Gold Glove first baseman was brought in to help improve the Diamondbacks' infield defense, but his bat was struggling. Santana was hitting just .083 with just two base hits in his first six games of 2026.

The Diamondbacks are thin at first base already. Pavin Smith is down on the Injured List with elbow inflammation. Tyler Locklear is working his way back from surgery to both his elbow and shoulder, and does not appear near a return.

If Santana has to miss any amount of significant time, it will likely be a combination of Vargas, Tawa or rookie sensation Jose Fernandez manning first base.

This article first appeared on Arizona Diamondbacks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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