The Diamondbacks will place speedster Tim Locastro on the injured list after today’s ballgame, per Steve Gilbert of MLB.com (via Twitter). Locastro jammed his finger at second base while getting caught stealing for the first time in his big league career, notes Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic (via Twitter). He had been successful in his first 29 stole base attempts, a Major League record to start a career.
The former Dodger has hit .260/.339/.320 through 56 plate appearanes this season, though he only recently had the benefit of everyday reps in center. Locastro does a nice job getting the bat on the ball (18.4 percent career strikeout rate), but he has yet to hit for much power (.102 career ISO) or take his walks at the big-league level (6.9 percent career walk rate).
The Diamondbacks will be down to their third-string centerfielder when Locastro joins Ketel Marte on the shelf. Rookie first baseman Pavin Smith took over in center for the remainder of today’s game in Washington. The Diamondbacks are flush with versatile defenders, from Josh Rojas to Andrew Young to Wyatt Mathisen, Smith, and Asdrubal Cabrera. Unfortunately, none are particularly suited to centerfield. Catcher/outfielder Daulton Varsho could be a consideration, as could the newly-acquired Nick Heath.
*salute
He got caught stealing?
Impossible
Get caught stealing, get kicked off the team. It’s the price he has to pay.
All the G.O.A.T.S are getting injured. Is Alejando Kirk next??
Shhhhh
Sorry to see Locastro get hurt. I was happy to see him get some consistent ABs (though I wish it wasn’t at Marte’s expense).
Kole Calhoun is a Gold Glove RF and has played a few games in CF as I recall. Maybe he can slide over and one of the versatile, utility guys can man a corner.
Any idea how long before Marte is back in the lineup? From what little I can find, it sounds like May 1 would be optimistic, but I haven’t heard much.