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D-backs prospects Jordan Lawlar and Blaze Alexander were both drafted as shortstops, and that’s been their primary position coming up through Arizona's system.
Lawlar, the team’s No. 1-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, reached the big leagues last September, and though he played sparingly, he got to be part of the team’s playoff push and postseason run. Alexander, ranked No. 15, spent last year with Triple-A Reno.
Both are in big league camp this year, and with the D-backs' starting infield all but set, it seems that both will open the year in Reno.
Your first thought might be which player will have to move off of shortstop, but it likely won’t be as simple as that. The answer might be that they both end up playing multiple positions, though Lawlar will likely primarily play short.
Having the pair able to play third base, short and second base accomplishes a pair of objectives.
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One, it gives them each more of a chance to make the jump to the big leagues because it opens avenues outside of shortstop, where Geraldo Perdomo established himself last year. It also provides the D-backs with some much-needed insurance should something happen to starting second baseman Ketel Marte or veteran third baseman Eugenio Suárez.
“Both of these guys have to be able to support the team,” D-backs GM Mike Hazen said. “If something happens in camp, if there's an opportunity on the roster, or even beyond that if they both start [the season] at Triple-A.”
Alexander, who was taken in the 11th round of the 2018 Draft, has already moved around in his Minor League career, playing both second and third in addition to shortstop.
Lawlar, meanwhile, has only played one game at third base since being selected in the first round of the 2021 Draft. Hazen said that the organization would like to see Lawlar, who played just 16 games in Triple-A, get more experienced at shortstop at that level, but they want to keep their options open with him at other positions if needed
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First baseman Christian Walker was showing off a new bat to his teammates this last week.
Walker, who uses Victus bats, received a custom made one from Bruce “The Bat King” Tatem, who has produced designs for players participating in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game and has done custom bats for Bryce Harper with the Philly Phanatic on them.
“It’s sick, isn’t it?” Walker said showing off his bat, which has a detailed snake head painted on it with his No. 53 interlocked along the handle.
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THOMAS OUT WITH INFLAMMATION |
Center fielder Alek Thomas was scheduled to play Monday but alerted the team to some soreness in his right wrist.
Thomas had an MRI taken Monday and it showed some inflammation. The team does not believe it is serious, but he will be held out of game action in the hopes of taking care of the injury now and not have it be a lingering issue.
Since the injury cropped up, Thomas has found ways of still trying to get some work in. He stood in during live batting practice sessions and did not swing, but rather tracked pitches, and also tracked balls in the outfield without catching them because he wears his glove on his right hand.
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PEDERSON BRIEFLY STEPS AWAY |
Designated hitter Joc Pederson was in Tuesday’s original starting lineup, but was scratched and will be away from the team for a few days while he deals with a personal issue, manager Torey Lovullo announced.
Pederson was signed as a free agent this winter primarily to serve as the left-handed DH, but he has been working with outfield coach Dave McKay on his defense, and depending on how that goes could see time in the field.
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