According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the Arizona Diamondbacks have optioned center fielder Alek Thomas to Triple-A Reno on Wednesday. In a corresponding move, Arizona recalled rookie infielder Blaze Alexander. Thomas, 24, has struggled since his return from injury. He will return to the minors for the time since he was last sent there in May of 2023. Thomas had been losing playing time to the red-hot Jake McCarthy and will now head to Reno, where he will be given more reps again. His strong outfield defense didn’t overcome his weak bat, as he’s hitting .191/.248/.362 in 37 games with Arizona this season.
Blaze Alexander has a locker in the Diamondbacks clubhouse. Alek Thomas’ is being emptied out.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) August 14, 2024
D-Backs Option Alek Thomas to Triple-A Reno
Thomas was considered one of the top prospects a few seasons ago. He has speed and strong defense, but has been subpar at the plate. From his 2022 debut, Thomas has 20 home runs and a batting line of .227/.271/.359. His defense made up for his offensive inconsistencies. He came into the season with an 11 DRS and OAA in center field, but both of those metrics have him at -1 this year. With McCarthy pushing his way into the lineup, Thomas has been a replacement-level player this season. McCarthy is hitting a robust .311/.380/.458 this year with 17 stolen bases.
Arizona’s outfield is a mix of McCarthy, Corbin Carroll and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.. Joc Pederson rotates from time to time but slots in the designated hitter spot more often. Randal Grichuck is often Pederson’s DH platoon partner as he can serve as the fourth outfielder.
For Alexander, 25, he is batting .259 with three home runs and 21 RBI with Arizona this season. He will start at second base and bat eighth on Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies. The Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres share a 68-53 record with both teams in the top spot of the National League Wild Card.
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