Alek Thomas' Hamstring Injury Deals Another Blow to Diamondbacks

The defensive wizard was placed on 10 Day IL with a left hamstring straing

Arizona Diamondbacks Alek Thomas struck out swinging against the Kansas City Royals in the second / Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY

During Sunday's game Alek Thomas was running hard down the line trying to avoid hitting into his third straight ground ball double play. Unable to do so, injury was added to insult as he suffered a strained left hamstring on the play.

The Diamondbacks placed the starting center fielder on the 10-day injured list with what the outfielder himself described as being between a Grade 1 and Grade 2 strain. Asked to define the severity of the injury further, Torey Lovullo said it was a "high Grade 1", but declined to offer any kind of a timeline. According to the MLB injury glossary, a Grade 1 is a mild strain or pull and Grade 2 is a partial tear. Minor league outfielder Jorge Barrosa was called up from Triple-A Reno to replace Thomas.

No matter how long Thomas is out, his defense will certainly be missed. He routinely makes highlight reel plays and has exhibited growing power potential since last year's postseason. For now, Corbin Carroll will play some centerfield, along with Barrosa who is deemed an above-average outfielder. Jake McCarthy is in the lineup in right field Monday night. Thomas also said the hamstring feels "pretty decent" and better than yesterday, with improved strength but he's still experiencing some soreness.

This injury is part of an expanding Diamondbacks injured player list. Left-hand starter Eduardo Rodriguez is on the injured list with a left lat strain suffered just a week before Opening Day. Closer Paul Sewald has a Grade 2 Oblique strain and is not expected back until sometime in May at the earliest. Randall Grichuk was not able to recover in time for Opening Day from January surgery to remove bone spurs in his left ankle, but is rehabbing with Triple-A Reno.

Thomas put on a brave face dealing with the injury and disappointment. "It is pretty disappointing, yesterday, was pretty tough for me. I definitely don't want to start out on the injured list. It's different, I've never really been injured before....I'm gonna get through it though"

Lovullo said "It's hard for a young player that's been injured for the first time to be put on the IL. I think he's battling a little bit of frustration." Thomas will be limited to rest and treatment the next few days. Beyond that his first steps in recovery will involve activities such as throwing to keep his arm in shape, and standing in the box to see pitches, but not making any strong movements or swings.

Ever the good teammate, Thomas described Barrosa's play. "he can go get it in centerfield anbd do whatever on the basepaths and hitting. I played with him a little bit in Reno and I could see that there's definitely something special about him. I'm excited for him and he's like a little brother to me"