D-backs Centerfielder Alek Thomas Has Rehab Timeline Pushed out Again

The defensive wizard is experiencing soreness and will pause his rehab.

Mar 28, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas (5) makes a leaping catch against the Colorado Rockies during the fourth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

It's been a long road back for Arizona Diamondbacks centerfielder Alek Thomas. Placed on the 10-day injured list on April 1st with a left hamstring strain, Thomas has now had his second setback in his rehab process.

His first setback occurred in early May while on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno. After receiving further imaging Torey Lovullo said the Hamstring had not fully healed when he re-injured it. Thomas received PRP injections as a means to facilitate healing.

Since then, the D-backs have taken their time with Thomas, but he seemed on the verge of returning, until this week. As reported by Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic, Thomas' rehab has been put on pause and he may be headed for another MRI.

Lovullo said: "Nothing that's alarming. I think there's just normal general soreness that we're trying to evaluate before we push through to the next level."

But he also said there's a possibility Thomas will get more imaging on his hamstring this week.

— Theo Mackie (@theo_mackie) June 19, 2024

The Diamondbacks have missed Thomas' defense this year. Corbin Carroll has taken most of the defensive reps in Centerfield in Thomas' absence and rates -5 defensive runs saved at the position according to Baseball Reference. Baseball Savant rates Carroll as +2 Outs Above average, however, so it can be surmised Carroll has been roughly average at best.

Jake McCarthy has been the beneficiary of additional playing time since Thomas has been out. In 63 games, and 187 plate appearances, McCarthy is batting .287.370/.414, .784 OPS. That works out to a 125 OPS+, or 25% better than the league average.

McCarthy's performance, along with platoon mate Randal Grichuk, who is batting .302 with a .818 OPS, gives the Diamondbacks the luxury to be extra cautious with Thomas.

Thomas' setback pushes out the pending roster crunch decisions the Diamondbacks will need to make when he eventually does return. There have been questions swirling around who would be removed from the roster to make room. Those considerations include the possibility of designating Eugenio Suarez for assignment or optioning Blaze Alexander to Reno.

That tough decision has been pushed out for at least another week or two it seems.