Alek Thomas shines for Mexico against Diamondbacks in spring training. [Image Source: ARIZONASPORTS]
At Salt River Fields on Tuesday, a spring training game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Team Mexico drew an energetic crowd of 10,472 fans, eager for a preview of the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). The Mexican national team beat the Diamondbacks 6-3, highlighted by a noteworthy performance from Alek Thomas, who played against his major league club while representing Mexico.
Thomas, an outfielder for the Diamondbacks, recorded two singles and one RBI for Mexico, extending his strong spring training momentum. Despite his anticipation, the matchup he hoped for with Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen did not come to fruition, as Gallen completed two scoreless innings, leaving Thomas waiting on deck.
Alek Thomas’s Performance and Manager Praise
Alek Thomas collected hits off pitchers Taylor Clarke and Juan Morillo, contributing significantly to Mexico’s offense. Mexico surged early, scoring four runs off Morillo before Arizona countered with three runs. Jordan Lawlar, positioned in center field for Arizona, helped spark the Diamondbacks’ rally with an RBI triple. However, late home runs from Mexico’s Rowdy Tellez and Alejandro Osuna ultimately secured the victory for Team Mexico.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo commended Thomas’s approach at the plate, saying,
“He put a couple of really good swings on the ball, one in particular was with a man at third base and less than two outs,”
Lovullo noted.
“Followed all the lessons that we’ve taught him and counter-punched us and got the job done. I was really proud of him. But it was awkward.”
Fan Energy and Player Impressions During the Exhibition
The spirited atmosphere was palpable as many fans wore Mexican team colors and loudly cheered throughout the contest. Utility player Tim Tawa remarked on the lively environment, stating,
Image of: Alek Thomas
“The environment was cool, the fans were really into it, you match the energy of the fans sometimes,”
while Jordan Lawlar expressed enthusiasm about the WBC atmosphere:
“I was telling (James) McCann I want to play for a WBC team just for that experience. It brings it closer to season-like. You just feel the energy, especially as it got going there.”
Looking ahead, Team Mexico is scheduled to face the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday before progressing to pool play in Houston as part of the World Baseball Classic.
Mexico’s World Baseball Classic Aspirations
In the 2023 WBC, Team Mexico came within one run of reaching the championship game before Japan’s Munetaka Murakami secured a walk-off double to advance Japan to the final against the United States, which Japan ultimately won. Mexico’s manager, Benji Gil, told reporters in Spanish,
“Everyone is very aware of what our goal is,”
adding,
“They’re focused. They’re calm. I think everyone is anxious for the day to put on the uniform and play.”
A native of Tucson, Alek Thomas made his WBC debut with Team Mexico in 2023, representing his mother’s heritage. Reflecting on that experience before this spring training, Thomas shared,
“The last time I played it, not so many people knew that I was a Mexican, so just for me to be able to represent my family and rep the colors was really special to me and special to my family,”
and acknowledged,
“This time around, it’s even more meaningful.”
Jordan Lawlar Advances in Center Field Role
Jordan Lawlar continued making progress as a center fielder, displaying his defensive skills early in the game. In the opening inning, Lawlar made a significant running catch near the left-center field wall on a deep fly ball hit by Mexico’s Jonathan Aranda. Highlighting this milestone, Lawlar told Arizona Sports,
“That was cool, I’m kind of messing around every first counting them,”
adding,
“That was my first play in the gap, so it’s just kind of checking them off the list and remembering them.”
Though Lawlar has appeared in only six spring games at center field, manager Torey Lovullo expressed approval of his ability to read plays and manage the outfield traffic. Offensively, Lawlar started with a strikeout bases loaded but rebounded impressively by hitting a first-pitch slider for a triple and scoring on a ground ball from Ryan Waldschmidt, who also contributed with a remarkable leaping catch in left field. In a subsequent at-bat, Lawlar bunted for a lead-off single and stole second base, demonstrating a strategic approach. Explaining his decision to bunt following a triple, Lawlar said,
“Game situation, one, We’ve been working on it a lot, so it’s part of my game. It’s a one-run game, middle innings and leading off an inning. I am probably going to get a fastball, so why not try it and get on and then steal second and then be in scoring position?”
Zac Gallen’s Spring Performance Against Mexico
Zac Gallen delivered a composed outing, using just 22 pitches to complete two innings with only one hit allowed, issuing no walks or strikeouts. His fastball velocity rested near his average of 93 mph, below the mid-90s speeds he showed in his previous start. Gallen described the appearance as pitching after an off day but remained optimistic about his ability to adjust.
Reflecting on his approach, Gallen said,
“I feel like I’m getting to that point where when things feel a little out of whack, I know what the fix is,”
and added,
“To be able to do that a little bit quicker, a little bit more efficient, I think it’s going to take some time. But, come the start of the season, I think we should be fine where we’re at.”
Updates on Merrill Kelly’s Recovery
Manager Torey Lovullo provided a status update on pitcher Merrill Kelly, who threw catch on Tuesday while managing a back issue. The Diamondbacks are monitoring Kelly’s progress with hopes of moving him into bullpen sessions soon, depending on his recovery from current throwing activities.
Lovullo stated,
“All systems are pointing towards him feeling good enough to continue progressing and get into that throwing program,”
and emphasized,
“We got to make sure he gets through that throwing program asymptomatic. And so far, so good.”
The team has yet to decide who will replace Kelly in the Opening Day rotation. Meanwhile, Brandon Pfaadt is slated to start for Arizona against the Sacramento Athletics on Wednesday, with Paul Sewald, Jonathan Loaisiga, and Brandyn Garcia among the relievers planned for the game.
Implications for the Diamondbacks and World Baseball Classic
The exhibition match highlighted Alek Thomas’s dual role, representing Mexico while playing against his own club, signaling his rising influence and importance in both arenas. The game also provided key observational insights into Jordan Lawlar’s adaptation to center field and Zac Gallen’s readiness for the season. Team Mexico’s energy and determination underscore their strong intent to contend seriously in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, aiming to improve on their near-championship run in 2023.
With Mexico preparing to face the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers before the official tournament begins, the momentum and spirit from this matchup suggest an intense competition ahead. The Diamondbacks, while continuing spring training evaluations, must consider roster moves carefully as Opening Day approaches, especially regarding pitching staff health and lineup balance.
