Blaze Alexander bought into playing outfield, Diamondbacks giving him look in CF

PHOENIX — Blaze Alexander finally got to dust off the outfielder’s glove he’s kept in the cupboard above his locker on Monday, as the Arizona Diamondbacks entrusted him to start in center field for the first time in his major league career.

For Alexander, the plan to give him outfield reps began back in spring training, but his progress was stalled by an oblique strain. He played 10 games in center field earlier this season in Triple-A Reno for the first time, and with a need for a right-handed center fielder, Arizona threw him out there to sink or swim.

“ I got a Fernando Tatis Heart of the Hide glove,” Alexander said. “First day in L.A., (Dave McKay and Torey Lovullo) approached me with the idea of moving around a little more. I’m all for it. I just want my name in the lineup. I don’t care where I play. I told (Lovullo) if he wants me to pitch, I’ll pitch. I just wanna be out there contributing.”

Blaze Alexander is breaking out a new glove for his first start in the outfield. pic.twitter.com/EAiZTrpr74

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) September 1, 2025

Having Alexander in center field as opposed to left-handed outfielders Alek Thomas and Jake McCarthy gave the Diamondbacks eight right-handed batters or switch-hitters in Monday’s lineup against Texas Rangers southpaw Patrick Corbin.

Lovullo said the reports he heard from Alexander’s outfield experience in the minor leagues were positive. He expects Alexander to look like a third baseman on transfers and throws to start off.

Be an athlete and keep it simple were themes that stuck with Alexander. He is quick and athletic, and his arm is strong enough to make the throws. He said it is fun to let his arm loose a little bit, but hitting the cut-off man accurately is the first priority.

“It was super, super new,” Alexander said. “I had maybe two practice days in spring out there before my oblique went. I kind of put that on hold and then I think it went well. I think I’m a pretty good athlete. Just simplify. That’s what (McKay) told me. Don’t try to go out there and be a superstar and all that. Just run to the ball real hard, get the ball into your cut-off man.”

Before Monday’s game, Alexander was on the field during early batting practice, working on jumps and shagging fly balls.

Top prospect Jordan Lawlar is up with the major league team and will get opportunities at third base against lefties and some righties. Alexander had a great August as the club’s primary third baseman, and his versatility gives the Diamondbacks an opportunity to keep him in the lineup at different spots.

Alexander earned that with an .881 OPS and seven home runs with quality infield defense in August after the D-backs traded third baseman Eugenio Suarez.

“Been getting him up to speed with Dave McKay and his language and all the things that are important to us from playing a well above average outfield,” Lovullo said. “And we feel like he has the capabilities of going out there and doing it. Against Patrick Corbin, we wanted to get as many right-handed bats in a lineup. This gives me an opportunity to have a little lineup flexibility.

“ I think he’s good enough and athletic enough to jump into center field in this environment right away.”

Alexander will continue to play the infield often while getting a crash course in the outfield, which involves leaning on Thomas, McCarthy, Corbin Carroll and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

After an up-and-down rookie year in 2024, starting this season on the injured list followed by months in the minor leagues, Alexander is relishing the opportunity to continue starting games at this level.

“Like I said, wherever they put me, I’m gonna go out there and just play to the best of my ability,” Alexander said.

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