Arizona Diamondbacks – Tomas begins to pay divideds

In his second season, Yasmany Tomas, the Arizona Diamondbacks left-fielder, is putting up impressive numbers

The time to celebration may be in the future, but the Arizona Diamondbacks are quietly celebrating recent feats from outfielder Yasmany Tomas.

Given the fact he did not play for a season and half before he arrived for the 2015 spring training camp of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tomas’ adjustment to both the game at the major league level and life in North American were challenging at best.

Overwhelmed and beleaguered, Tomas appeared lost in a maze for trying to play the game at the highest level and being productive. At first, the Arizona Diamondbacks sought Tomas was the answer to their vacant third base position, but quickly discovered Tomas, from a physical and mental standpoint, was not prepared in the least for the assignment.

Slowly, life for this native Cuban became bearable to the point where the Arizona decision-makers made the executive decision that Tomas was strictly an outfielder. After a .273 season with nine home runs and 48 RBIs a year ago, Tomas, now in his second season in the desert, seems more comfortable. Manager Chip Hale calls his condition as “maturing,” and now, numbers are beginning to fall into place.

Essentially as the left-fielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tomas seems more relaxed than during the struggles of last season, and that translates into a greater level of confidence. Coming into play Saturday, Tomas was batting .271 and slammed 21 home runs, two less than Jake Lamb, the team leader. His two home runs Friday against the Brewers gave Tomas six multi-home run games this season, and that leads the majors.

More from Diamondbacks News

• What is the Rule 5 Draft? How does it impact Diamondbacks?
• Former Diamondbacks SP Robbie Ray wins AL CY Young!
• Bannister the bench coach, yet another great hire by the Diamondbacks
• The king of Chase Field should be signed by the Diamondbacks
• The Goat has come to the Diamondbacks to save the day

While Hale stresses a greater maturity level, Tomas cited physical changes and a keen eye.

““I’m getting extension on my swing, and that’s help get more power,” Tomas said through coach and interpreter Ariel Prieto. “Plus, I’m making good pitch selections, and trying to be consistent.”

Commissioned to play both left and right fields, Hale indicated Tomas is better suited for left and said, “playing left field (in Chase Field) is difficult, and several visiting players have difficulty here.”

Still, Hale said Tomas has shown improvement in the gardens and maintains Tomas carries an important variable to the plate and to the outfield.

“(Tomas) is fearless,” Hale said. “He’s not timid but relentless. You can see he’s gaining confidence.”

For now, the Arizona Diamondbacks believe they are beginning to see some dividends on the hefty $68 million that gave Tomas. It’s not the dividends are huge at this point, but these are visible and the organization hopes continues to grow.

Off the DL

After Friday nights; game, the Arizona Diamondbacks reinstated outfielder Socrates Brito from the disabled list. Brito was on the DL with a fractured toe since June 24.

Immediately, Brito was optioned to Triple-A Reno.

Forecast ahead

Outfielder A. J. Pollock went 1-for-4 (double) in his initial rehab game with the Arizona Diamondbacks in the Arizona Rookie League.

Next: Pollock returns to competition

Pollock was expected to engage in his routine program Saturday with the major league team in Chase Field and then play against Sunday. Following the Sunday encounter, Pollock is scheduled for play for Advanced-A Visalia, and that is to begin this Monday.