# Diamondbacks Designate Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for Assignment After Injury-Marked Season

**Date:** 09/25/2026

The Arizona Diamondbacks designated Cuban outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for assignment on Sept. 13, 2026, before their game against the Texas Rangers, according to Associated Press reports carried by América Tevé and Yahoo News. The club recalled infielder José Fernández from Triple-A Reno.

Gurriel, 32, is in the final guaranteed season of a three-year, $42 million contract. If he is released, Arizona would still owe the $5 million buyout on a 2027 club option valued at $14 million.

The Sancti Spíritus native spent four seasons with the Diamondbacks and made the All-Star team in 2023, when Arizona reached the World Series. He tore his ACL late in 2025, returned April 18, 2026, and hit .210 with two home runs and 22 RBIs in 51 games while dealing with further setbacks.

Gurriel previously spent five seasons with Toronto and carries a .271 career average over nine MLB campaigns. The move leaves him available to be claimed by another club or to reach free agency ahead of the winter market.