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The Cuban baseball player Lourdes Gurriel Jr. began his rehabilitation assignment in Double-A yesterday with the Amarillo Sod Poodles and delivered a strong offensive performance in his first game back after seven months away from the field.
According to journalist Francys Romero, the outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks went 3-1 with a double and a walk, reaching base two out of his four at-bats during the 10-7 loss of the Sod Poodles against the Frisco RoughRiders.
Gurriel Jr. also completed seven innings in left field without reported physical setbacks, a promising sign for the team and its fans.
The Cuban is recovering from a reconstruction surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, performed on September 11, 2025, after suffering a tear on the first of that month during a game against the Texas Rangers.
The injury occurred in a non-contact accident: Gurriel supported his knee to avoid colliding with center fielder Blaze Alexander, who dove for a hit between the outfielders. There was no physical contact between them.
The specialists then estimated a recovery period of nine to ten months, which threatened to keep him out of the start of the 2026 season. However, his progress exceeded medical expectations, and he is expected to return to the Major Leagues by late April or early May.
Gurriel Jr. made a record recovery after his ACL surgery, which is particularly noteworthy given the three-year, $42 million contract he signed with the Diamondbacks.
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