Geraldo Perdomo's Injury Paves Way for Blaze Alexander

The D-backs' everyday shortstop could miss some time.

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) throws to first after forcing out New York / Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY

As the Diamondbacks lost in strange, extra-innings fashion to the New York Yankees Wednesday afternoon, the D-backs suffered a bigger loss than one game out of 162. Starting shortstop Geraldo Perdomo went down with a right knee injury late in the contest.

Although manager Torey Lovullo only said that Perdomo is day-to-day, any significant time missed by the young infielder would create a dilemma with regard to a decreasing amount of positional depth at the shortstop position.

That said, young prospect Blaze Alexander would be in line to take over everyday shortstop duties.
One important detail to note is the D-backs have shielded him against right-handed pitchers to start his career, with all four starts and 11 of 14 plate appearances (79%) coming against left-handed pitchers. Alexander got his first start at a defensive position Wednesday, taking Ketel Marte's second base slot while Marte spent a game at DH. Alexander held it down well, showing off his arm as he helped turn an impressive double play, but his main highlight came at the plate.

Alexander scorched his first big league home run, a 110 MPH missile off Yankees left-handed starter Carlos Rodón. Alexander has come in quite hot in hist first major league stint, going 5-for-12 with two walks, 3 RBI and a stolen base. He's slashing .400/.500/.667, and, despite some strikeout woes in the minor leagues, has only struck out four times up to this point in the majors, two of which were the benefactor of generous, "rookie tax" strike three calls.

There's no doubt Alexander is all but ready to step in with any extended absence from Perdomo, but the D-backs are once again faced with a challenge in terms of who will become the primary backup shortstop. Infielders Jace Peterson and Ketel Marte have the ability to play at shortstop, although neither were being strongly considered for more frequent appearances at shortstop throughout camp. Marte slid over to shortstop in yesterday's game, following Peterson pinch hitting for Alexander and Perdomo's injury.

With Emmanuel Rivera being sent to Miami, and Jordan Lawlar down as he recovers from thumb surgery, the only other option to provide shortstop depth is Kevin Newman. Newman originally opted out of his deal with the Diamondbacks, but recently re-signed with the Reno Aces. Newman is a light-hitting veteran, with some defensive ability, but generally--barring major regression from Alexander--would be unlikely to get much action if he is called back up from Triple-A. He's hitting .294 with 5 RBI in Reno, with a solid .835 OPS.

However, if Newman is brought up, the D-backs would have to clear a space for him on the 40-man roster. With some key players already down with an injury, it would be difficult to decide who would be the one cut loose from the current 40-man.