Baker Joins D-backs, Boosts Lineup

0:00On April 7th, the Arizona Diamondbacks just called up first baseman Luke and Baker from Triple A Reno to cover for Carlos Santana, who's headed to the 10-day injured list with a right-of-ductor strain from Sunday's game against the Atlanta Braves. That move retroacts to April 6th. To make room, Outfielder Jordan Lawler got shifted from the 10-day to the 60-day injured list after fracturing his wrist in that series opener. Baker, a 29-year-old powerhouse at 6 foot 4 and 285 pounds, brings serious pop. Drafted 75th overall by the Cardinals back in 2018, he debuted in the majors in 2023, hitting 0.206, over 73 games. But he crushed it in the minors, smashing over 30 homers in Triple A the last two years, and he signed a minor league deal with Arizona this, offseason. Spring training showed why they're excited. Baker slashed 0.273, 0.385, 0.576, with three homers in just, 13 cactus league games.

1:03Meanwhile, the 40-year-old Santana struggled early, batting just 0.083 in his first eight games since signing for defensive. Stability at first base. Now the D-backs lack a clear everyday first baseman, with both Santana and Paven Smith sideline by Elbow inflammation. Many guys like Ildemaro Vargas, who's starting there again today, Tim Tawa and Rookie Jose Fernandez have stepped up solid so far. Baker might lean more designated hitter than Gold Glove, at first, but his bat could steady the lineup as Arizona sorts this injury mess and pushes forward. This has been MLB News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story.