Alek Thomas's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

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.

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.

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.