Diamondbacks tab Blaze Alexander for first big-league center-field action as roster expands
Blaze Alexander is set to make his first big-league appearance in center field on Sept. 1, starting in the series opener against the Texas Rangers at Chase Field. With Jordan Lawlar back in the majors last week, Arizona plans to give Alexander occasional center-field chances, likely when left-handed pitching is on the mound, as a way to keep both young infielders in the lineup.
Alexander previously spent 10 games at center field with Triple-A Reno earlier this season, marking his first professional exposure to the position. He has been working with outfield coach Dave McKay in recent days to regain his comfort and coordination in the outfield.
“He’s shown he can handle it at Reno, and we’ve been getting him up to speed with Dave McKay and our communications about playing a high-level center field,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “We believe he has the ability to play an above-average outfield, and we’re going to give him opportunities to show it.”
Two roster moves accompany September’s expanded rosters
To help cover the expanding roster, right-hander Ryan Thompson was reinstated from the injured list and outfielder Jorge Barrosa was recalled from Reno, joining a group that will absorb the two additional September spots.
Thompson has been out since early July due to a right scapular strain. In Reno, he has appeared in two scoreless outings over the past week, most recently Friday, Aug. 29, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning.
Barrosa adds more outfield depth, though his path to consistent at-bats remains unclear with Alexander taking a look in center against left-handed starters.
Hoffmann’s breather a planned step
Reliever Andrew Hoffmann has not appeared in a game since being optioned to Reno on Aug. 20. Lovullo described the move as a scheduled break, noting Hoffmann’s recent workload and fatigue.
“From the deeper look at his recent history, including time in winter ball in the Dominican Republic, we decided a longer rest would be beneficial,” Lovullo said. Hoffmann will transition back to Reno soon and resume throwing in the near future. Hoffmann was acquired from Kansas City in July in exchange for outfielder Randal Grichuk.
Locklear under pressure to prove himself
Tyler Locklear, part of Arizona’s deadline bundle from Seattle in the Eugenio Suárez deal, has had a challenging start since arriving in the majors. After a difficult day Aug. 31, he is batting .155/.245/.226 in 84 plate appearances, with no hits in his last 20 at-bats and 11 strikeouts in his past 20 opportunities.
Lovullo and the coaching staff have tried to balance giving him room to play with the need to implement adjustments. “We don’t want to micromanage him, but there are things to change,” Lovullo said. Hitting coach Joe Mather has focused on Locklear’s timing and adaptability, especially separating fastballs from off-speed pitches and refining his lower-half mechanics.
Despite the rough stretch, the Diamondbacks continue to see growth in Locklear’s approach. “There’s a fair amount we like about his process and his intent,” Lovullo said. “With more reps, we expect to see continued development and a better feel for the strike zone.”
Pavin Smith’s season-ending injury has opened more opportunities for Locklear at first base, and Lovullo emphasized that the team plans to keep evaluating him in game situations while staying mindful of his need to perform consistently at the big-league level.
What to watch in the Diamondbacks-Rangers series
– Pitching matchups: Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson (7-3, 3.53) faces Rangers left-hander Patrick Corbin (7-9, 4.33) in the Sept. 1 opener at Chase Field. Nelson has stretched into six innings in three straight starts, while Corbin is coming off eight scoreless innings in his most recent outing but struggled in August.
– Alexander’s defense and speed: The club will test Alexander in center against lefties to maximize his defensive value and keep Lawlar’s bat in the lineup.
– Rangers’ injury impact: Texas has been dealing with several injuries, including Corey Seager (appendectomy), Marcus Semien (foot), and Nathan Eovaldi (rotator cuff issues). Outfielder Wyatt Langford has been productive, while Joc Pederson has heated up in August.
Upcoming schedule highlights
Sept. 2 at Chase Field, 6:40 p.m.: Nabil Crismatt vs. Rangers TBA
Sept. 3 at Chase Field, 12:40 p.m.: Zac Gallen vs. Jack Leiter
Sept. 4 Off
Sept. 5 at Chase Field, 6:40 p.m.: Eduardo Rodríguez vs. Red Sox TBA
Why this matters
Arizona is leaning into youth as part of its September ramp-up, balancing immediate needs with long-term development. Alexander’s adjustment to center field and Locklear’s continued growth at the plate will be key narratives as the club evaluates its future pieces down the stretch. The Rangers series also offers a chance to measure how the Diamondbacks can contend with an offense that has shown both flashes and consistency in a season of injuries and roster churn.
Summary
Blaze Alexander is slated to debut in center field on Sept. 1 as the Diamondbacks navigate roster expansion and give opportunities to young players like Alexander and Lawlar. While Locklear continues to work through a tough stretch at the plate, the organization is emphasizing growth and adaptability, with a mix of veterans and prospects to close the season on a hopeful note.