Lourdes Gurriel Jr Enjoying a Strong Spring and is Happy to be Back
It was much celebrated among Diamondbacks fans during the past Christmas season when Arizona re-signed Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to a three-year deal for $42MM. The All-Star left fielder had a strong first season in Arizona after coming over in the Daulton Varsho trade.
In his age-29 season, he slashed .261/.309/.463, .772 OPS with 24 home runs and 82 RBI. In the outfield, he registered +14 defensive runs saved. This culminated in a perfect fit in Arizona's outfield and lineup where he helped them win plenty of games.
Plus, his clubhouse fit turned out to be even better. He meshed with the culture immediately. As soon as he took the field for Arizona, he became a fan favorite with his happy energy and wild purple hair.
It was clear how much the team and player wanted each other back when the team and Gurriel agreed to change the language in his previous contract that allowed him to negotiate a deal with Arizona.
Speaking on how important it was to come back to Arizona, Gurriel Jr. said "For me, it was really important to return, very happy to return, and be here after what we did last year."
There's a renewed energy and focus within the Diamondbacks clubhouse as they set their eyes on getting back to the playoffs. Manager Torey Lovullo has been pushing his team to be their best and be ready for the season. Gurriel Jr. has noticed the team's extra work and preparation.
"We know what we did last season. The expectations are going to be higher so not really needed to be told, just come out and do what we are capable of doing."
So far, in his second Spring Training with Arizona, Gurriel Jr. has been on fire. He's recorded seven hits in 21 plate appearances with two doubles, a home run, four RBI, and two strikeouts.
Gurriel Jr. spoke about how Spring Training typically goes for him and how he develops his swing, saying "I don't have a specific time frame but the more games we accumulate, it kind of happens on its own."
During Friday's game, there was a scary incident when he was hit on the left hand by a Kyle Hendricks pitch. He let out a scream that could be heard on the radio, and he immediately left the game. However, when he met with reporters after the game, he informed them that he was fine. His hand wasn't hurt and he didn't even have X-rays.
That's great news as while Arizona has plenty of depth in the outfield, they don't have the kind of right-handed power or bat that could replace Gurriel Jr. for any length of time.
The fact he didn't need X-rays is a great sign that he should be good to go very soon as he just has a left-hand contusion. This was the same hand that he had Hamate surgery ahead of last season.
Also, as is known among Diamondbacks fans, Gurriel's wild purple hair was a joy to many last season. This season, the purple hair is back but there's a splash of green in the front.
As to why there's some green in his hair now, "A little something different."
