PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks have designated Lourdes Gurriel Jr. for assignment, potentially ending the tenure of an outfielder who played a key role in their 2023 World Series run but struggled after tearing his ACL last season.

The Diamondbacks announced the move before Sunday’s game against Texas. Infielder Jose Fernandez was recalled from Triple-A Reno.

“It was a very difficult move,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “The discussion with Lourdes last night was painful for all of us. He has meant so much to this organization, carried at times, led us to a World Series, has been a dependable bat, a great teammate, a big influence in that clubhouse and to say goodbye to that is never easy.

Gurriel is in the final guaranteed season of a $42 million, three-year contract. If he is released, Arizona would remain responsible for the $5 million buyout of a $14 million team option for 2027.

He has spent four seasons with the Diamondbacks, earning an All-Star selection in 2023 as the Diamondbacks reached the World Series for the second time.

Gurriel tore an ACL late in the 2025 and returned ahead of schedule on April 18. The 32-year-old Cuban struggled with more injuries and inconsistency, hitting .210 with two homers 22 RBIs in 51 games.

“The at-bats, at times, lacked a little bit of consistency,” Lovullo said. “With where we are at this point in the season, we didn’t have the time to get him to that place where he could be that Lourdes Gurriel we remember.”

Gurriel spent his first five seasons with Toronto and is a career .271 hitter over nine big league seasons.

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