D-BACKS NOTES Flores nearing return from IL; ‘will get every lefty’
Infielder is hitting .306 vs. left-handers in 2019
ARLINGTON, Texas – Second baseman Wilmer Flores is an option to return from the injured list in time for Thursday’s series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers, a development that could lead to a platoon of sorts with infielder Jake Lamb.
Lovullo said Flores “will get every lefty” when he returns from his fractured right foot, meaning that Eduardo Escobar would play third base on those days.
With a right-hander on the mound, Lamb likely would play at third with Escobar sliding over to second.
Christian Walker would remain the team’s primary first baseman, though both Lamb and Flores could be options there, as well.
“We have three guys for two positions at times,” Lovullo said, referring to Flores, Lamb and Walker. “It’s three really good players. I’m going to have to figure out a way to maximize each situation. I’m going to work hard to do that.”
Flores has a history of performing well against left-handed pitching. He was hitting them well before his injury this season – he had a .306/.333/.531 line in 51 plate appearances – and has a .787 OPS against them in his career compared to a .703 mark against righties.
Flores went 11 for 22 (.500) with four doubles and two walks during a six-game rehab assignment in the rookie-level Arizona League and Triple-A Reno.
Lovullo said he still isn’t considering asking Escobar to play left field while David Peralta is hurt even though that would be a way to get his most dangerous bats in the lineup at once. Escobar has played left in 43 career games.
“I think if, out of necessity, if we needed to move him around to that position he’d be open to it,” Lovullo said. “But for right now we’ll stick with him at second and third.”
Memorable lesson
Before managing his final game in Globe Life Park – the Rangers are set to open a new stadium next year – Lovullo was asked if he had any memories that stand out here. One came to mind.
During a game in 1998, Lovullo was on first base after a single and first baseman Will Clark gave him a warning of sorts about catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez.
“I took a secondary lead and he goes, ‘Man, T, that’s a big secondary lead. You better be careful. He’s giving me that sign that he wants to throw down here. He’s the best catcher in baseball.’ ”
Lovullo said he continued to take lengthy leads.
“Sure enough,” Lovullo said, “I did it again and (Clark) didn’t say a word, and about 45 seconds later I was picked off from first base and running back to the dugout with my tail between my legs. At that point in time, I realized how good Pudge Rodriguez was. I got a warning and I still was out.”