--- title: "Diamondbacks' Soroka, Lawlar face MRI scans after Friday win" description: "Arizona's playoff hopes hinge on Soroka's durability and Lawlar's health as both undergo scans following Friday's victory." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/diamondbacks-michael-soroka-jordan-lawlar-to-undergo-mris-d03727b6 published: 2026-07-01T03:58:16.72+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T03:58:16.72+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["baseball"] --- # Diamondbacks' Soroka, Lawlar face MRI scans after Friday win > Arizona's playoff hopes hinge on Soroka's durability and Lawlar's health as both undergo scans following Friday's victory. The Arizona Diamondbacks’ playoff push faces a critical moment after Friday’s win turned into a medical crossroads. Pitcher Michael Soroka and top prospect Jordan Lawlar will undergo MRI scans to assess injuries sustained during the game, just days after Lawlar returned from the injured list. Soroka, a key rotation piece, exited Friday’s game early with discomfort, while Lawlar aggravated an issue that forced his initial IL stint. Both players were held out of Arizona’s lineup on Saturday, with manager Torey Lovullo confirming the scans are precautionary but necessary to rule out structural damage. The team’s front office has already begun contingency planning, with right-hander Merrill Kelly warming up in the bullpen as a precautionary measure. The timing couldn’t be worse for Arizona. Soroka, 27, has been Arizona’s most consistent starter since joining the rotation full-time in 2024, posting a 3.45 ERA across 28 starts. Lawlar, the team’s 2023 first-round pick, returned from the IL on Tuesday after missing 28 games with a hamstring issue, only to re-aggravate the injury in Friday’s contest. His absence would force the D-backs to reshuffle their infield, with Geraldo Perdomo likely sliding into the shortstop role and Corbin Carroll shifting to center field. Arizona’s medical staff is expected to receive the MRI results by Sunday evening. Lovullo declined to speculate on potential timelines but admitted the team is preparing for multiple scenarios, including a short-term IL stint for either player. The D-backs currently sit 3.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot in the National League, with a pivotal six-game stretch against the Dodgers and Padres looming. The injury landscape in the National League West adds another layer of pressure. The Dodgers, one of Arizona’s upcoming opponents, have their own rotation questions with Clayton Kershaw’s recent struggles and Tony Gonsolin’s inconsistent form. A depleted Arizona squad could exploit those cracks, but the D-backs can’t afford to hand the Dodgers any free wins. Meanwhile, the Padres, fresh off a series win over the Giants, are riding a wave of momentum and will be hungry to capitalize on any Arizona missteps. Defensively, Lawlar’s presence at shortstop has been a stabilizing force, reducing errors and turning double plays with precision. His bat, though still developing, provides a spark in the middle of the lineup. Soroka’s ability to pitch deep into games has kept Arizona’s bullpen from overuse, a critical factor in a tight division race. Losing either would disrupt the delicate balance Arizona has struck this season. The Diamondbacks’ depth has been a talking point all year, but injuries test that narrative. The organization’s aggressive call-ups in past seasons—like the 2023 promotion of Corbin Carroll—showed a willingness to rely on young talent when needed. However, the current situation forces Arizona to confront whether that same depth can withstand another wave of absences without sacrificing performance. The front office’s ability to make quick, impactful decisions will be scrutinized if either Soroka or Lawlar misses extended time. Reaction from the clubhouse underscored the urgency. Veteran reliever Paul Sewald called the situation “a gut punch” but emphasized the team’s depth, stating, “We’ve got to trust the process and the guys behind us.” Meanwhile, Lawlar’s father, a former minor-leaguer, told reporters his son is “frustrated but focused on getting back right.” What’s next: The MRI results will dictate Arizona’s next moves. If either player is sidelined, the D-backs could accelerate promotions from Triple-A Reno, including infielder Blaze Alexander or starter Brandon Pfaadt, who has been working out of the bullpen. The team’s front office has also discussed internal options like Kyle Nelson or Ryan Thompson to bolster the rotation if Soroka’s injury proves significant. ## Why this matters The Diamondbacks’ 2026 playoff push hinges on the health of Michael Soroka and Jordan Lawlar. Soroka’s durability anchors a rotation that has quietly become one of the NL’s most reliable, while Lawlar’s bat and glove at shortstop provide the offensive and defensive spark the D-backs lack elsewhere. Two setbacks could derail Arizona’s Wild Card hopes, forcing a reshuffle of the lineup and rotation that tests the team’s depth and patience. With a tight playoff race and a brutal stretch of games ahead, every day without Soroka or Lawlar is a day closer to irrelevance. The NL West’s volatility means Arizona can’t afford to blink—one misstep could swing the division in a heartbeat. The team’s ability to navigate this stretch without losing ground will define whether their late-season surge is sustainable or just another false dawn. ## Frequently asked ### Why are Michael Soroka and Jordan Lawlar getting MRIs? Both players left Friday’s game early—Soroka with discomfort and Lawlar after re-aggravating a hamstring issue he returned from the IL with. The scans are precautionary to assess structural damage. ### How long has Jordan Lawlar been dealing with this injury? Lawlar missed 28 games earlier this season with a hamstring issue before returning on Tuesday. He reaggravated the injury in Friday’s game, forcing the MRI. ### What are the Diamondbacks’ options if Soroka or Lawlar miss time? Arizona could promote infielders like Blaze Alexander or shuffle their rotation with internal options such as Brandon Pfaadt, Kyle Nelson, or Ryan Thompson to fill gaps. ### How important is Michael Soroka to Arizona’s rotation? Since joining the rotation full-time in 2024, Soroka has been Arizona’s most consistent starter, posting a 3.45 ERA across 28 starts and anchoring a rotation that ranks among the NL’s best. ### Where do the Diamondbacks stand in the playoff race? Arizona is 3.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot in the National League, with a pivotal six-game stretch against the Dodgers and Padres upcoming. ## Sources & Citations - [Diamondbacks' Michael Soroka, Jordan Lawlar To Undergo MRIs - MLB Trade Rumors](https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2026/06/diamondbacks-michael-soroka-jordan-lawlar-to-undergo-mris.html) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-20) --- Cite: Diamondbacks' Soroka, Lawlar face MRI scans after Friday win. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/diamondbacks-michael-soroka-jordan-lawlar-to-undergo-mris-d03727b6