Torey Lovullo: D-backs have ‘addressed’ Yasmany Tomas’ effort after fielding gaffe

May 3, 2017, 9:46 PM | Updated: May 4, 2017, 8:09 am

ArizonaSports.com lead editor

It was only one play, but in what turned into a 2-1 Nationals victory over the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, Arizona skipper Torey Lovullo admitted Yasmany Tomas’ fielding efforts on a key third-inning play needed to be addressed.

To lead off the frame, Michael Taylor’s triple lined in front of Tomas, but the left fielder seemingly lost the ball in the lights, skidding to his bottom and failing to even knock down the ball that landed over his left shoulder.

With that, Tomas remained on his knees, head to the turf, as center fielder A.J. Pollock recovered the ball near the wall behind him.

“The part we’re going to address as quickly as possible — and we have addressed it — is that he needs to get up and chase that ball and make a little bit of a better effort,” Lovullo told the Associated Press.

Later in the inning, Taylor would score on a groundout by Washington pitcher Gio Gonzalez to tie the game, 1-1.

Tomas’ failure to attempt a recovery after making the poor play on the ball can be easily called on.

But Tomas’ struggles in the outfield have been noticeable throughout this season. A week ago, San Diego Padres batter Jabari Blash smacked a home run that snuck over the left field wall.

Tomas leapt to catch the fly ball but by jumping backward lost momentum on the way up when he ran into the Chase Field wall’s padding.

Yasmany Tomas goes all out to rob Jabari Blash on his home run😂 #Dbacks #Padres #OurSeason #MLB pic.twitter.com/XFuGn4S9Oo

— 🚨 Ronnie Laybold 🐾 (@YotesHereToStay) April 26, 2017

While his five home runs and .275/.323/.549 slash line so far this year is a solid follow-up to his 2016 season in which he led Arizona in home runs, Tomas remains the team’s worst defender with a defensive runs above replacement of minus-0.4.

ILL SNAKES

Outfielder David Peralta sat out once again as he recovers from a flu bug that has hit the Diamondbacks.

Second baseman Brandon Drury started the game but was pulled for Daniel Descalso due to what Lovullo said was the same illness.

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Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Daniel Descalso (3) leaps over Washington Nationals Trea Turner (7) after throwing to first to complete a double play during the eighth inning of a baseball game in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. The Nationals won 3-2. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Washington Nationals reliever Jacob Turner (38) follows his ball after throwing during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. The Nationals won 3-2. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Arizona Diamondbacks Chris Owings (16) is watched by teammate Paul Goldschmidt (44) as he touches the home after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (47) throws a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Arizona Diamondbacks Chris Owings (16) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Washington Nationals Bryce Harper (34) swings and misses as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jeff Mathis (2) catches the ball for a strike out during the first inning of a baseball game in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) throws a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Washington Nationals catcher Matt Wieters (32) leaves the baseball diamond after striking out Arizona Diamondbacks Brandon Drury (27) during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Washington Nationals catcher Matt Wieters (32) talks to his pitcher Gio Gonzalez (47) during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Washington Nationals Ryan Zimmerman (11) follows the ball after hitting a single during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) throws a pitch during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Washington Nationals Matt Wieters (32) runs to first base for an infield single during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. The Nationals won 3-2. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., puts his hand over his heart as "God Bless America" is played during a break in the seventh inning of a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. The Nationals won 3-2. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34), and teammates Jacob Turner (38) and Matt Wieters (32) congratulate each others after winning 3-2, a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., applauds during the break in the seventh inning of a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks in Washington, Wednesday, May 3, 2017. The Nationals won 3-2. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

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