Geraldo Perdomo Supports Teammates Regardless of Positional Threat
Although the Diamondbacks are only facing a battle for the backup shortstop position, incumbent starter Geraldo Perdomo might have some up and coming young stars gunning for the starter job sooner rather than later.
The 24-year-old has steadily improved each season of his young career, but with the pressure of top prospect Jordan Lawlar's call-up last season and some stellar Spring play from Blaze Alexander, it wouldn't be unreasonable for a player in Perdomo's situation to feel the weight of one's potential replacements growing ever closer.
However, manager Torey Lovullo praised Perdomo's attitude regarding a position with imminent heavy competition. The skipper said the switch-hitter handled the news of Lawlar's first call-up admirably, and said that the young shortstop genuinely wishes the best for his teammates, regardless of their position.
"I think [Perdomo] has a certain confidence about him that you guys can see him play with, but inside of my office I’ll have discussions with him, and I know we covered it, and he’s like 'good for him, I'm so proud of him for doing that,'" Lovullo said.
"He genuinely cares about his teammates and pulls for his teammates. And instead of competing with them, he lets his game do what it's supposed to do, and he blocks out the noise and he can elevate his game... I think legitimately pulling for every young player to be themselves and have a great experience is his starting point, and that's what makes him so good," Lovullo said.
While it might serve as motivation for the young infielder to play at a higher level, Lovullo said Perdomo's approach didn't change.
"I think he was already excelling, he was already having a great year, and he was named to the all star team, but when somebody [arrived] who plays his position as a primary position, he didn't waver, he still stayed mentally tough and mentally strong," Lovullo said.
The manager said he and the front office will sometimes joke with Perdomo about a good performance by Blaze Alexander, implying facetiously that the young prospect might be coming for Perdomo's job. While the young infielder certainly knows how to take a joke, Lovullo noted the sincerity of Perdomo's response was a positive reflection of who he is as a teammate and player.
"He’ll be like 'Good for Blaze, good for him, I've got to be better then, that’s what that means. I'm not worried about Blaze, because he’s a great teammate and he’s a great player, and I'm really happy for him,' and I think that's always coming from the right place, and when you’re doing that… A), you're a great teammate, but B), you're going to continue to take care of what you've got to take take of.” Lovullo said.
While Perdomo has been named the regular season starter, with so much talent at the shortstop position, the backup battle could extend to a fight for the starter's role eventually, even if not a factor in Spring Training.
"We have a really good batch of young shortstops that are coming through the system," said Lovullo, "and the competition is going to get very good, very stiff."
The young shortstop will look to continue his upward trajectory on both sides of the ball, and continues to be a positive, supportive presence in the D-backs clubhouse.
Other Updates
Lovullo also touched on some notable player updates in his media session today.
Outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who was hit by a pitch in the arm/hand region, took BP today, and feels good. No imaging was necessary, and he was diagnosed with a right hand contusion only. Lovullo said that it's the team's procedure to give a player the next day off after being removed from the game for an injury concern, which is why Gurriel was held out of today's contests, however there does not appear to be any concern for the outfielder.
Recent shortstop signee Elvis Andrus will play in his first D-backs game tomorrow. Lovullo said the veteran is looking "very good" in both his infield actions and his plate activity.
Outfielder Randal Grichuk continues to ramp up activity, taking some at-bats in player development today, and "seems to be in a good spot."
RHP Corbin Martin will get into his first game action in two days, against the Oakland A's. Martin threw a live BP yesterday, showing good velocity and sharpness on his breaking balls. Lovullo said he is "anxious to see him" on the mound facing another team. It will be Martin's first game action since a shoulder injury sidelined him in the midpoint of last year's Spring Training.
The D-backs return to action against the Los Angeles Dodgers tomorrow at 1:05 PM.
