Alek Thomas, Daulton Varsho at it again for D-backs with superb defense
Aug 26, 2022, 7:04 PM | Updated: 7:53 pm
Alek Thomas #5 of the Arizona Diamondbacks makes a diving catch in the third inning at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 26, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chase Agnello-Dean/Getty Images)
If you tune in for a three-game series the Arizona Diamondbacks play, there’s a very good chance you are going to see center fielder Alek Thomas or right fielder Daulton Varsho make a terrific defensive play.
Sometimes it will be both of them, and sometimes it will be in the same game, like Friday’s in Chicago against the White Sox.
In the third inning with one out, Thomas pursued a ball hit into shallow center-right field. Thomas immediately broke into a sprint on a line, and with a sliding dive just barely caught the ball before it hit the ground.
Mama, there goes that man! pic.twitter.com/px1YqJbYso
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 27, 2022
Two innings later, a high drive to deep right field took Varsho to the warning track. Because of his deep position, Varsho was able to slowly judge the ball’s path before calmly leaping for an easy-looking robbery of a two-run homer.
Making plays all over the field tonight. 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/Xgay7Hcnbq
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 27, 2022
And somehow, neither of those were the best defensive plays of the night, because Thomas was back at it in that same inning.
With an extra runner on and two outs, Thomas was once again running out to right-center for a ball he couldn’t afford to miss a step on. Thomas was a good five feet or so from the ball still as it was going to land, forcing him to extend and leave the ground for the diving grab that got his jersey a bit more dirty.
ALEK THOMAS DOES IT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/DtJfshorOb
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) August 27, 2022
That’s at least three runs those two saved in the fifth inning alone.
Thomas and Varsho are expected to be joined shortly in the outfield by 21-year-old Corbin Carroll, the top prospect in baseball that also has great defensive ability and speed.
In just one season, Thomas’ arrival to the majors, Varsho’s move to becoming a full-time outfielder and Carroll’s MLB debut will soon have the D-backs fielding one of the best defensive outfields in baseball.
Arizona beat Chicago 7-2.
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