Luis Arraez, the Padres’ steady hitter and three-time All-Star, announced today on X that he underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, an injury that’s been nagging him since mid-June. Arraez, who played through the pain to help push San Diego’s postseason run, knew surgery was the only option for a complete recovery after the team’s playoff exit. Despite sitting out the All-Star Game to rest his thumb, he stayed in the lineup for 70 of the last 78 regular-season games and all seven postseason contests, showcasing resilience, but perhaps not his usual stellar form.
Known for his league-leading .314 batting average, Arraez claimed his third straight batting title, though his .739 OPS and 109 wRC+ marked a slight dip from previous seasons. While he remained an above-average hitter, his thumb injury seems to have dulled his offensive power somewhat. Statcast data shows his expected wOBA on contact dropped from .335 before the injury to .312 afterward, suggesting that discomfort could have limited his power and consistency.
Arraez is projected to earn $14.6 million through arbitration in 2025, his last season of team control, giving him a key year to return to his peak form. For the Padres, having Arraez back at full health will be crucial, as his skill at setting the table for stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado could be a game-changer. Now, Padres fans and the team are left wondering: Will a healed Arraez reclaim his elite offensive prowess? Or are his 2022-23 numbers now out of reach?
