The Arizona Diamondbacks sent Alek Thomas down to Triple-A on Wednesday, hoping he can return to the hitting form that made him a standout during the postseason last year.
Thomas, who is 24 years old, was the team’s starting center fielder at the start of the season but missed about three months after straining his left hamstring in the opening week. Since coming back, he has hit .191 with three home runs and 17 RBIs.
Thomas has been losing playing time to Jake McCarthy, who has been one of the hottest hitters in the major leagues recently.
To fill Thomas’ spot on the roster, the D-backs called up infielder Blaze Alexander.
The team could use an extra infielder since All-Star Ketel Marte is dealing with a sprained ankle. Alexander spent most of the first half of the season with the team, hitting .259 with three home runs and 21 RBIs.
He started at second base against the Rockies on Wednesday.
Thomas was a key player for the D-backs during their World Series run last October. His two-run homer in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series tied the game and was a turning point in the series that Arizona won in seven games against the Phillies.
As of Wednesday, Arizona had won five straight games and 17 of their last 20.
