Gino Groover Suffers Broken Wrist in Latest Blow to Diamondbacks System
Three days ago Inside the Diamondbacks' Michael McDermott reported that top minor league prospect Gino Groover suffered a wrist injury. Describing the injury at the time, McDermott wrote:
"Groover hyperextended his left wrist in a collision with the batter-runner after a comebacker to the mound was deflected by pitcher Eli Saul. Saul recovered and got the throw off to first, but the runner and the ball arrived at the same time. Groover was still in considerable pain as he walked off the field."
We now have further clarification as to the extent of the injury courtesy of reporting from Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Groover has a "Displaced Radius Fracture" according to farm director Shaun Larkin. He will have surgery in the next few days and be out 12-14 weeks.
It is yet another injury setback for an organization that has seen more than its share of injuries to top prospects. Groover was a second round draft pick out of North Carolina State in 2023. Considered one of the better bats in the draft, Groover was off to a good start in High-A+ Hillsboro Hops, batting 6-16, .375 with two walks and a .444 On Base Percentage. McDermott ranked Groover as the No. 8 Prospect in the organization to start the season.
Recently top prospect Jordan Lawlar fractured his thumb, requiring surgery as well, and is out until midseason. Last year No. 2 prospect Druw Jones battled injuries all year long in an attempt to come back from shoulder surgery from the year prior. Perhaps due to all the missed time, Jones is off to a very slow start in 2024.