What to Expect from Diamondbacks Infielder LuJames Groover

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What to Expect from Diamondbacks Infielder LuJames Groover

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Jun 6, 2026 11:03 AM ET

Amidst a need for sparks, the Diamondbacks have called upon Ryan Waldschmidt and Tommy Troy at the big-league level this season. Arizona added a third notable prospect to that list, as 2023 second-rounder LuJames Groover was summoned to the desert on June 5.

A Look at Groover

Arizona selected LuJames Groover in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft, one that also produced big-leaguers, Philip Abner and Tommy Troy. Troy, the team’s first-rounder from that year, made his MLB debut earlier this season after a good run in Reno. And Groover, himself, had a great year before his promotion.

Last year was a breakthrough year for the 24-year-old infielder, as he slashed .309/.399/.4324 with 12 home runs and 35 extra-base hits with Double-A Amarillo. Groover didn’t show much swing-and-miss at all, as he posted a sub-20% rate at Double-A. And, that season earned him a spot in the Futures Game on the NL side.

So far with Triple-A Reno, Groover slashed .322/.421/.452 with just three home runs in a very hitter-friendly league. On the other hand, he picked up 20 total extra-base hits, and his 67 total hits were good for a top-10 spot in the PCL.

It’s not an overly complicated approach for Groover. He averaged over 4.2 pitches per plate appearance this season, and Groover is the fitting example of a statistical and visual grinder. Low swing-and-miss, a push hitter who can take the ball the other way, and the kind of hitter who profiles as a solid contact guy.

Yes, there was a good amount of swing-and-miss on four-seamers in Triple-A, with an obviously much lower clip off sinkers. However, he can handle breaking balls and offspeed well, a sign that Groover can stay back and push when needed.

(via New Baseball Media)

Groover does carry plenty of versatility, as he can play first, second, and third. Most of his time in the Minors came at third.

The Diamondbacks officially selected his contract on June 5. To make room for LuJames Groover, the D-Backs optioned Jose Fernandez to Triple-A.

Analysis

Before getting into Groover, it should be noted that the shakeup comes amidst what has been a very cold stretch for Fernandez. Since May 1, Fernandez slashed .183/.230/.232 with the D-Backs this season, coming back to earth after a hot, early start to his big-league career.

Groover can give the D-Backs much of the same type of versatility as Fernandez, who did play over the field when needed with Arizona. Not to mention, Groover profiles as a good professional hitter, one who didn’t do too much at the Triple-A level.

It also gets ahead of the fact that Groover was going to need to be protected by November anyway.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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