The Arizona Diamondbacks are shaking things up in the infield, with rookie sensation Blaze Alexander getting a shot at third base. Manager Torey Lovullo made the call, spurred by veteran Eugenio Suarez's rough start and Alexander's scorching performance in the early months of the season.
Alexander, known for his hot bat and improving defense, stepped into the lineup against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night. Lovullo sees this as the start of something new at third base. "I’m very curious about Blaze," Lovullo remarked. "Offensively, he’s been on fire, and his defense is catching up quickly. It’s time to give him more chances."
Since joining the Diamondbacks from the Seattle Mariners last November, Suarez was expected to provide stability, but his struggles at the plate — a .197 average and just five homers in over 200 at-bats — prompted Lovullo to make a change. While Suarez has held down third base defensively, his offensive slump has been hard to ignore.
"He’s giving it his all," Lovullo said of Suarez, "but sometimes the results just aren’t there. Meanwhile, we have Blaze, a young talent waiting for his shot."
This decision coincided with the return of shortstop Geraldo Perdomo from injury, reshuffling the infield dynamics. Alexander, originally a shortstop, had been filling in around the diamond, showing versatility with starts at second base and designated hitter. His start at third base against the Angels marked his third of the season in that position.
Lovullo didn’t specify Alexander’s playing time going forward but emphasized he would see significant action at third. Suarez, despite the change, will still see playing time. "He’s not riding the bench," Lovullo clarified. "He’ll get his chances. Right now, I just want to see what Blaze can do."
For Alexander, this season has been a rollercoaster. Initially seen as a longshot in spring training, he turned heads with his stellar performance, earning himself a roster spot. When injuries sidelined key players like Perdomo and top prospect Jordan Lawlar, Alexander stepped up, although defensive struggles temporarily sidelined his pursuit of the shortstop position.
With this move, the Diamondbacks are injecting some youthful energy and a hunger to prove themselves into their lineup. Lovullo and the team are banking on Alexander’s potential to make an impact, both defensively and at the plate, as they navigate the challenges of the season ahead.
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