Arizona Diamondbacks: 3 Biggest Surprises Since 2018 All-Star Break
Eduardo Escobar
In general, Eduardo Escobar has been a surprise since the 2014 season. That’s because before that, he was merely a light-hitting utility infielder with a .225 batting average. Since then, however, he exploded at the plate for Minnesota, hitting a career-high 21 home runs in 2017.
Thanks to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ front office, he’s now on our side. The team made a move to snag him before the deadline, turning the D-Backs’ batting order into one of the MLB’s elite units.
Right on cue, Escobar hasn’t disappointed since coming to the desert. In nine games, the switch-hitter has 12 knocks in 36 at-bats (.333) while playing excellent defense at third base. Escobar has the hot corner all to himself since news came down that Jake Lamb would be out for the season.
Solid effort but Eduardo Escobar is having none of that. pic.twitter.com/HGOQCFAvvr
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) August 7, 2018
Yes, Jake Lamb is a good player, but the more you see Escobar play, the more you realize that he’s an upgrade over Lamb — that’s what’s most surprising.
While Escobar is yet to hit a home run with Arizona, he had 15 blasts in 97 games as a Twin and 21 last year in 129 games. Having said that, as long as he hits for average he’ll continue being a perfect fit in the No.2 hole.