Arizona Diamondbacks Keep Jake Lamb
The Arizona Diamondbacks, in a surprise move, have decided at this time to keep Jake Lamb as they continue their process of putting together their roster for the 2020 season.
Arbitration Eligible player
Lamb is arbitration eligible and, with a possible big increase in his salary, it was a surprise decision to many that he would return. He has played in only 134 games over the last two seasons due to his injuries, and, with his inability to hit left-handed pitching, many thought it was time for a change.
Forget his Last Two Seasons
Lamb would certainly like to forget his past two seasons and look forward. Since the beginning of the 2018 season, he has hit just .208 with 16 doubles, 2 triples, and 12 home runs with on-base percentage below .350.
Popular Teammate
However, Lamb is a popular teammate both on the field and in the clubhouse due to his work ethic and leadership and that is what this team believes in and has been pushing for the past few years.
What Keeping Jake Lamb Means
Keeping Lamb gives him the opportunity to compete for a bench spot or a part-time starter role next season. The team used him in that capacity in 2019 after his return from the IL and as he was used primarily at third but did see some action at first.
Just what position Lamb will play remains up in the air. The team had moved him from third to first base last spring when Paul Goldschmidt was traded. He platooned with Christian Walker until his injury early in the season.
Could be Difficult for Jake Lamb
It could be difficult for him to find a position. Will he be splitting time filling in at first and third again this year? The team would like to use Kevin Cron as the backup at first and Ildemaro Vargas, Domingo Leyba, and Andy Young will compete for the utility infield spots. All of three of them could play third when Eduardo Escobar needs a day off, and all can play second base.
Lamb is an excellent athlete. Could we see him get a look at second base during Spring Training 2020? He has never played it before in the minor leagues or MLB. He does have great range and good hands for defense, so putting him at second to see if he can make the transition is something for them to consider.
Outlook
There will be a lot of attention paid to him when Spring Training gets underway. He will be given a long look from Torey Lovullo and his coaches wherever they position him. However, if he struggles, the Diamondbacks could release him to allow him to look for a deal with another team.
Many are asking if he is “injury prone.” Regardless of what happens if he stays with the Diamondbacks or ends up on another team, he knows he has to remain healthy.
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