‘I Think I’m Harder On Myself’ | Arizona Diamondbacks Outfielder Alek Thomas Has Breakthrough Performance Against LA Dodgers

For Arizona Diamondbacks 2018 second-round pick Alek Thomas, the 2023 season MLBbro season couldn’t have started any worse.

 

Marred in a 0-for-16 slump to begin the season, the former Mount Carmel High School in Chicago, three-sport athlete who committed to play both baseball and football for TCU, had a breakout performance in a D-Backs 12-8 win over NL West division foe Los Angeles Dodgers. 

 

Thomas had been making solid contact at the plate all season and has only struck out once, but hard luck followed him like a shadow until he finally got his wood cooking on Saturday.

 

 

 

The supremely athletic centerfielder found his groove going 4-for-4 at the plate with triple and two runs scored. It was Thomas’ second four-hit game of his young MLB career.

 

Following the game Thomas told reporters this ….

 

“During those games I didn’t get hits, I felt like I still was hitting the ball pretty good,” Thomas said.

 

Thomas’ big performance was also key in the D-Backs taking three of four games from the Dodgers in the early season tilt.

Thomas Is Part Of Young Nucleus Expected To Change D-Backs Misfortunes

 

Although he’s currently one of two in the majors, along with fellow outfielder Corbin Carroll, Thomas is part of a quartet of young, talented D-Backs pieces whom the franchise is looking upon to bring it back to relevance. The others are Druw Jones the No.2 overall in the 2022 MLB Draft. There’s also shortstop Jordan Lawlar the No.6 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, both of those players are a ways from getting called up, but their talent is undeniable.

 

As a franchise the D-Backs haven’t seen the postseason since 2017, and Thomas hopes to see that change sooner than later. Despite his early season struggles, Thomas kept a level head and stayed true to his craft. As someone who’s his own toughest critic, the struggle didn’t deter him like it may have some other young players.

 

 

 

 

“I think I’m harder on myself,”Thomas said. “I think everyone knew that. I’ve been having good at-bats and so it was bound to happen. But for me, I hold myself to a higher standard and I was frustrated, but I knew at some point it was going to happen. So, I didn’t think I was going to go (zero) for the season so it was going to happen at some point.”

 

 

Thomas Didn’t Deviate From Normal Approach And It Paid Off

 

Usually when hitters go through big slumps, they’re willing to try anything to break out of it.

 

Not Thomas, who stuck to his normal everyday approach and routine. As a result, the rising outfielder had a breakout game and followed that up with another solid day on Sunday showing his multitude of skills as the complete package. 

 

 

“I felt like I was in a good place or I am in a good place right now with how I’m feeling, so I’m just going to try to stick with that.” Thomas said.

 

That approach also caught the eye of D-Backs manager Torey Lovullo during Saturday’s win.

  

“Staying with his routine which is what they’re taught from a young age. It was going to show up for him so he came out in four big ways and hopefully he gets on a roll. He’s in a good spot.”

  

Thomas’ ability to stick with it could also be traced back to the MLB pedigree he grew up around. His dad Allen Thomas is a former major leaguer who played two seasons, but also was the Chicago White Sox’ strength and conditioning coach for 17 seasons until last season. 

The pedigree and talent are there. He’s in The Show. Now, he just has to let his talents shine through.