Alek Thomas #5 of the Arizona Diamondbacks strikes out in the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 06, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
With the 2022 season nearly over, the Arizona Diamondbacks sent outfielder Alek Thomas back down to Triple-A Reno.
Why?
The obvious reason is his offensive struggles. Thomas went 7-for-55 (.127) in the month of September, looking lost at the plate.
Additionally, Thomas will get to play in (somewhat) meaningful playoff games in Reno. The team begins postseason play on Friday.
Thomas’ defense will be missed in the majors, but his demotion does offer up playing time in center field for Corbin Carroll, Jake McCarthy and maybe even Daulton Varsho.
Most people would sulk after a demotion. Not Thomas.
In three games with the Aces, Thomas went 9-for-14 (.643) with three doubles and five RBIs.
He’s getting his confidence back, which was the whole point of sending him down.
Steve Zinsmeister and Cody Fincher evaluate the organization’s handling of Alek Thomas and more on this week’s episode of The Ain’t No Fang, an Arizona Sports podcast.
