PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Carlos Santana was taken off the field due to an adductor strain, but his glove is still being put to good use.
That’s because versatile infielders Ildemaro Vargas and Jose Fernandez have shared the leather while splitting reps at first base in Santana’s absence, keeping the purple Rawlings with a gold patch to honor Santana’s 2024 Gold Glove win.
Manager Torey Lovullo described it as “leave the glove at first base and run in,” like kids playing on a sandlot.
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“We actually didn’t have a glove in place that was ready to use, so he was gracious enough to let us borrow it,” Vargas told Arizona Sports via Spanish interpreter. “And based on his long career, his trajectory, being able to have that, it’s a blessing to have that, thanks to him.”
“So last year, in Double-A, Manuel Peña would lend me his first base glove,” Fernandez told Arizona Sports via Spanish interpreter. “This year we’re sharing it because I have a first base glove, but it’s still not broken, it’s still new.”
Lovullo could not recall another instance of players he coached or teammates sharing a mitt. Gloves can be very personal to players.
The skipper does have personal experience sharing bats with teammates before, which is more common.
Lovullo remembered a spring training game back in the 1980s while he played for the Detroit Tigers. He, Scott Lusader and Billy Bean all came up to the plate with the same bat and received a mouthful from Cincinnati Reds catcher Joe Oliver.
“You guys are all using the same bat? Are you guys in Little League?” Lovullo recanted. “So it’s as close as I can remember getting to something like that, but I’ve never seen it before.”
Vargas played more at first base last season than at any other point in his career. He said he used his own first baseman’s mitt last year, but when a Gold Glover offers you his gear, why not take advantage?
The Gold Glove patch on it doubles as a motivator for Fernandez, whose career is just getting started.
“It’s a dream,” Fernandez said. “I mean, one day I’d like to earn my own.”
Santana, who is working his way back off the injured list, has used multiple other gloves this year, with a teal one and a black one, all Rawlings.
How is Jose Fernandez looking at first base?
Fernandez played 69 innings of first base in Double-A Amarillo last season, and the Diamondbacks have leaned on his versatility to get him everyday at-bats.
As of Sunday, Fernandez started eight games at first base, two at third base and another at shortstop.
“I mean, it feels the same as minor leagues. I just want to stay in the lineup,” Fernandez said. “It’s good to be able to get those reps at different positions because it allows them to, whenever they need me, they can use me in different positions.”
So far, with Arizona having to pivot away from Santana and Pavin Smith at first base due to injuries, Fernandez and Vargas have combined for three defensive runs saved and one error so far.
Lovullo complimented Fernandez’s baseball IQ and coachability so far to adapt to moving around the diamond while learning how to be a big leaguer.
“I think he’s an excellent shortstop and an excellent third baseman, but I feel like anybody that can play shortstop can move across the field and accept any other position on the diamond,” Lovullo said.
“Now you have to initiate some footwork, which I think he became familiar with last year or in years past when he was playing first. So I think it was a quick adjustment. He’s a fast study, and he’s doing just fine for right now.”
Lovullo said on Friday that Santana has been hitting off a tee at this point, while Smith underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow.
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