When the Arizona Diamondbacks signed veteran slugger Carlos Santana to a one-year, $2 million deal this offseason, it looked like a savvy move to add some pop to the corner infield. After all, the 40-year-old former Silver Slugger had just put up 11 home runs and 54 RBIs in 2025. But from the get-go, things haven't gone according to plan.

Santana struggled mightily during Spring Training and carried that cold spell into the World Baseball Classic, where he hit just .167/.286/.167 for the Dominican Republic. Those woes followed him into the regular season, as he managed a paltry .083/.154/.125 slash line over eight games with Arizona, failing to record a single home run or RBI. In early April, his troubles were compounded by a strained right abductor, forcing him to the injured list.

Hoping to regain his form, Santana embarked on a rehab assignment with the Triple-A Reno Aces. Over seven games, he showed flashes of his old self—hitting one home run and driving in four runs—but his .120 batting average suggested he still had work to do. Just as he seemed to be trending toward a return, the baseball gods dealt another blow. During a rehab game last night, Santana reinjured his adductor, effectively slamming the brakes on his comeback.

The setback, first reported by the Arizona Republic's Nick Piecoro, leaves the Diamondbacks in a familiar spot: searching for production at first and third base. Manager Torey Lovullo has turned to Ildemaro Vargas, who has been a bright spot in the lineup, slashing .341/.366/.571 through 32 games. For Santana, the road back to Chase Field just got a little longer—and for a team hoping to stay competitive in the NL West, every game counts.