Lawlar called back up for another opportunity with D-backs

LOS ANGELES -- Jordan Lawlar hopes the third time is the charm.

The D-backs recalled their No. 1 prospect from Triple-A Reno ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Dodgers for what will be his third stint in the Majors.

Lawlar was called up alongside left-hander Brandyn Garcia (No. 23), while rookie Taylor Rashi -- who impressed in his MLB debut on Thursday -- was optioned and infielder Pavin Smith (strained left quad) was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Aug. 28.

“Jordan Lawlar is here, and we’re excited about that,” said manager Torey Lovullo. “He’s been working hard, he’s healthy, and that was the most important thing, getting back on the field.

“He earned his promotion. It wasn’t like we just said, ‘What name?’ and it was Lawlar because he’s supposed to be here. We want him to be here for the right reasons. He’s here to compete, he’s doing well. He’s going to help us win baseball games.”

Lawlar, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 Draft, debuted in September 2023 but struggled in 14 games, going 4-for-31 (.129) with 11 strikeouts and no extra-base hits. He was briefly called up again in May, but went hitless in eight games, striking out nine times in 19 at-bats.

He’s hoping to stick around this time.

“Any time you can be with this group of guys, it’s exactly where I want to be,” Lawlar said. “… Just want to win games and help the team win.”

Lawlar said his focus is on staying healthy and controlling what he can.

“Just doing everything you can on and off the field, taking care of the body,” he said. “And then just learning. This game is a great teacher if you’re willing to put the time in and listen to it.”

The 23-year-old, who is ranked No. 23 overall by MLB Pipeline, had fared better in Reno this season, despite battling a hamstring strain that sidelined him for seven weeks this summer. In 63 games, Lawlar posted a .313/.403/.564 (.967 OPS) slash line with 11 home runs, 22 doubles, 50 RBIs and 36 walks.

Lovullo said Lawlar will play shortstop and third base, beginning with two or three starts per week. Lawlar had started 20 games each at second, third and short with Reno this season. He started at third and batted ninth for Arizona on Friday, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

“We’re going to simplify as best we can, focus on the left side of the diamond, eliminate second base for now,” Lovullo said. “And hopefully that’ll help him and his prep work, and allow him to go out there and be the best version of himself defensively. And then the at-bats are the at-bats. He just has to get them, and he’s going to.”

Lawlar’s promotion means that Blaze Alexander, who had been manning third base for Arizona since the trade of All-Star Eugenio Suárez, will be moving around the diamond more in the final month, Lovullo said. Alexander has an .855 OPS with six home runs and 13 RBIs in August.

“Blaze has anchored third base for us since Geno got traded. He’s gone down there and played unbelievable defense,” Lovullo said. “He has controlled the zone, he’s having quality at-bats. He’s going to continue to play. And what I explained to Blaze is, ‘We’re going to move you around the field a little bit. We’re going to try to put you in the outfield as well.’”

Ultimately, Lovullo said the time was right for Lawlar to get another shot -- and for the club to get another look at their prized prospect.

“We had some space inside of our lineup where he could get some at-bats,” Lovullo said. “He was healthy, playing good baseball. And we gotta find out where these guys are. I know that the front office is going to make some decisions for next year’s team.

“And even though we’re still in the race and we’re chasing some wins, we want to win every game, and we felt like he was the best player for that opportunity to come up here and help us win some baseball games.”