The Diamondbacks are placing speedster Tim Locastro on the injured list after Saturday’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 appearances this season, although 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 Saturday’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 of those players is particularly suited to centerfield. Catcher/outfielder Daulton Varsho could be a consideration, as could the newly acquired Nick Heath.
More must-reads: