Hot-hitting Lewis 'progressing well'; OF taking shape
This browser does not support the video element.
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Roles look to be taking shape in the D-backs' outfield.
Kyle Lewis received a day off in an 11-8 loss to the Rangers on Monday afternoon, but he¡¯ll be back later this week.
The 27-year-old outfielder, acquired in an offseason trade with Seattle, went 3-for-3 with a first-inning homer and five RBIs while batting fifth as the designated hitter against the Rockies on Sunday.
Lewis is 4-for-12 with a double and two homers in four spring games, tallying an extra-base hit in each of his past three outings.
¡°He¡¯s progressing well,¡± manager Torey Lovullo said. ¡°Obviously, you saw how he swung the bat [Sunday].¡±
Lovullo looks to get Lewis back on the field either Friday (vs. Colorado) or Saturday (vs. Cleveland).
This browser does not support the video element.
Carroll in outfield picture
Heralded prospect Corbin Carroll, who signed an eight-year, $111 million deal on Saturday, will definitely be part of the outfield mix.
The 22-year-old, ranked as the No. 2 prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline, is batting .318 with three extra-base hits over 29 plate appearances. Carroll, a first-round pick (No. 16 overall) by Arizona in the 2019 MLB Draft, will find a home in left field, but maybe not exclusively in left.
This browser does not support the video element.
¡°If it all is drawn out the way we are expecting it to, he¡¯ll get the bulk of his time in left field. But there¡¯s nothing that¡¯s written in stone that he¡¯s not gonna play center, maybe even right,¡± Lovullo said on Monday. ¡°He¡¯s getting some spins in center right now, you¡¯ll see him get some time in right.¡±
Jake McCarthy will play right field, and maybe also some center. Lovullo said Alek Thomas will ¡°primarily¡± patrol center field. Lewis, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Pavin Smith also will figure in.