Imagine a tiny bone, smaller than a quarter, derailing a baseball star’s dreams of representing his country on the global stage. That’s exactly what happened to Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll, whose World Baseball Classic (WBC) aspirations were shattered by a broken hamate bone. But here’s where it gets controversial: could this injury have been prevented, or is it just an unfortunate reality of the sport? Let’s dive in.
The baseball world was stunned on Wednesday when news broke that Carroll, one of the game’s brightest young talents, had suffered a broken hamate during a live batting practice session. This injury not only sidelines him for the 2026 WBC, where Team USA was set to face Brazil on March 6, but also casts doubt on his availability for the Diamondbacks’ Opening Day game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on March 26. Carroll underwent surgery the same day, but his road to recovery is just beginning.
‘I was really looking forward to the WBC,’ Carroll shared on Thursday, his voice tinged with disappointment. ‘Being around such incredible players and representing my country would have been one of the biggest honors of my career.’ Yet, despite the setback, Carroll remains determined. Just one day after surgery, he was spotted at Salt River Fields, cast in place, already working to stay in shape. ‘There’s very minimal pain,’ he assured. ‘The biggest challenge will be getting back to swinging.’
But what exactly is the hamate bone, and why is it such a nemesis for baseball players? Located on the pinky side of the palm, this small, hook-shaped bone plays a crucial role in transferring force from the forearms to the hand, especially during gripping activities like swinging a bat. Its position makes it particularly vulnerable to fractures, a fate all too common among players. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed that Carroll’s injury occurred simply from swinging the bat—no direct impact involved.
‘I took a swing, and it just didn’t feel right,’ Carroll recalled. ‘I started moving my hand around and felt something wiggling in there. I knew I had to get it checked out.’ This isn’t the first time a hamate injury has sidelined a star. Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies and Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor both suffered similar fractures recently, with Lindor also withdrawing from the WBC due to insurance complications related to his surgery. Even Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday, the top pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, broke his hamate during batting practice last week.
And this is the part most people miss: These injuries almost always occur in the non-dominant hand, which sits at the bottom of the bat and absorbs more force during the swing. The surgery typically involves removing the hook of the bone rather than fixing the break, as there’s no need for bones or ligaments to heal. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, this approach allows players to return to activity once the incision heals—usually in three to four weeks. However, full recovery can take much longer.
Take Mike Trout, for example. After undergoing hamate surgery in 2023, he attempted a return six weeks later but lasted just one game before being placed back on the injured list. ‘I just wasn’t right,’ he admitted. ESPN’s Jeff Passan highlights the issue: ‘While the recovery timeline is straightforward, hitters often report that their power takes months to return.’
Carroll knows this struggle all too well. Last June, he returned just three weeks after a hairline wrist fracture, only to hit .216 in his first 21 games back, with just one home run. It’s a stark reminder that even when players are cleared to return, they may not be at their best physically or mentally.
As the Diamondbacks prepare for the season, Lovullo is exploring options to fill Carroll’s void, including shifting outfielder Alek Thomas and incorporating Jordan Lawlar into the mix. ‘It’s part of being a baseball player,’ Lovullo said. ‘We’ll rally around Corbin and support him every step of the way.’
But here’s the question that lingers: With hamate injuries becoming increasingly common, should MLB reconsider bat design or player training methods to reduce the risk? Or is this simply an unavoidable hazard of the sport? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. One thing is certain: Carroll’s absence will be felt, but his resilience and determination to return stronger than ever are undeniable.
