September 18, 2024
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Alek Thomas (oblique) was reinstated from the seven-day minor-league injured list at Triple-A Reno on Tuesday. In his return to the field with the Aces on Tuesday, Thomas went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. The 24-year-old has been out of action for the past month with a strained right oblique but is working his way back and could be able to rejoin the big-league roster before the end of the regular season at the end of September. If Thomas does rejoin the D-backs and they make the postseason, he'll likely be a bench player and potential late-game replacement for his defense in center field. Thomas has played in a career-low 37 games in Arizona in 2024 in his third year in the majors and has hit just .191 (18-for-94) with three homers, 17 RBI and four steals.
Jake McCarthy has essentially taken over for Thomas at the big-league level.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Milb.com
August 14, 2024
The Arizona Diamondbacks optioned outfielder
Alek Thomas to Triple-A Reno following Tuesday night's game against the Colorado Rockies and recalled rookie infielder
Blaze Alexander from Reno in a corresponding move on Wednesday. Thomas has missed a big chunk of this season due to injury and wasn't swinging the bat well enough upon his return to warrant a roster spot at the big-league level, despite his excellent glove work. The 24-year-old left-handed hitter has batted just .191 (18-for-94) this year with three home runs, 17 RBI and four stolen bases in 37 games played in his third year in Arizona. Thomas' demotion is good news for
Jake McCarthy, who has become a lineup regular for the Snakes in a breakout year. Alexander, meanwhile could see some starts at second base, including on Wednesday, with
Ketel Marte nursing a low-grade ankle sprain.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Arizona Diamondbacks
August 5, 2024
With a left-hander on the mound for Monday's contest against the hosting Cleveland Guardians, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielders
Joc Pederson and
Alek Thomas will both get the day off.
Ketel Marte will serve as the designated hitter and will bat leadoff, while
Jake McCarthy will start in center field and will hit sixth versus Guardians lefty Logan Allen.
Kevin Newman draws into the lineup at the keystone and will hit eighth for the Snakes. Pederson only has seen 25 plate appearances against lefties in 2024, so fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised that he's not starting on Monday. Against righties, though, he's been solid, hitting .289 (69-for-239) with 16 of his 17 home runs on the year. Thomas has only been afforded 81 at-bats this year due to injuries and is hitting a lowly .210 (17-for-81) with three homers, 17 RBI and three steals. He's not an option for fantasy managers in mixed leagues.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
August 3, 2024
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder
Alek Thomas is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's contest against the hosting Pittsburgh Pirates. The 24-year-old singled, walked, and drove in two runs during Friday's 9-8 win but will give way to
Jake McCarthy for Saturday's contest. It has been another difficult season at the plate for Thomas as he has not only dealt with a hamstring injury but has also struggled at the plate. He is hitting just .208 with three homers, three stolen bases, and a .672 OPS across 83 trips to the plate. However, his .347 xwOBA is well beyond his .288 wOBA at the moment. While he hasn't provided much to fantasy managers this season, there is likely some positive regression to be had down the stretch.
--Brenton KempSource: MLB.com
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