Diamondbacks Sign Luken Baker to their Roster
The Arizona Diamondbacks have selected the contract of first baseman Luken Baker. He will take the active roster spot vacated by Carlos Santana.
Santana was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to April 6. The club listed a strained right adductor as the reason.
Roster moves and housekeeping
To open a 40-man slot, outfielder Jordan Lawlar was transferred to the 60-day injured list. Nick Piecoro of Filmogaz.com had earlier reported that Baker already had a locker in the Arizona clubhouse.
Baker, 29, joined Arizona on a minor league deal over the winter. He is a true first baseman with limited speed on the bases.
Minor-league track record
From the start of 2023 through the present, Baker amassed 1,284 Triple-A plate appearances. He hit 84 home runs in that span.
His Triple-A line over that stretch stands at .259/.371/.555 with a 131 wRC+. He posted a 23.5% strikeout rate and a 15% walk rate.
Major-league history
The St. Louis Cardinals gave Baker limited big league time over the past three seasons. In 189 major-league plate appearances he produced a .206/.317/.338 line and a 87 wRC+.
He was placed on waivers in August, claimed and outrighted by the Dodgers, then became a free agent at season’s end. That led to his signing with the Diamondbacks.
First-base depth and outlook
Arizona’s first-base depth has been hit hard by injuries this spring. Tyler Locklear remains in recovery after October surgery on his left elbow and shoulder.
Pavin Smith went on the injured list a few days into the season with left elbow inflammation. Santana’s recent groin issue triggered his IL placement.
Utility players José Fernández and Ildemaro Vargas have each started at first base recently. Catcher Adrián Del Castillo has also started games as the designated hitter.
Baker provides a straightforward, everyday option at first base. His right-handed bat should pair well with the left-handed swing of Del Castillo.
Against southpaws in the majors, Baker has a .244/.357/.390 line and a 113 wRC+. He is out of minor-league options, which could create future roster pressure.
Longer-term considerations
Santana, Smith, Locklear and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. are expected to return from the injured list. Their returns will force roster decisions later this season.
The move also follows the club’s decision to Diamondbacks Sign Luken Baker to their Roster as a depth and power option at first base.
Jordan Lawlar update
Lawlar was hit by a pitch and suffered a right wrist fracture. He was placed on the 10-day injured list a few days ago.
Manager Torey Lovullo estimated Lawlar would miss six to eight weeks. The 60-day IL transfer lengthens that absence slightly.
If Lawlar recovers before the 60 days expire, he may begin a minor-league rehab assignment for up to 20 days.
