Diamondbacks' LuJames Groover: In lineup, but likely to lose PT
Rotowire
Groover will start at designated hitter and bat ninth in Tuesday's game against the Angels.
Though he'll crack the starting nine Tuesday while southpaw Reid Detmers is on the bump for the Angels, Groover appears likely to lose out on regular playing time against right-handed pitching. After Lourdes Gurriel's recent return from the injured list, Arizona has a bit of a logjam in the corner-outfield spots and designated hitter, which has resulted in Pavin Smith drawing starts at first base over Groover in the Diamondbacks' last two matchups with righties. Smith and Groover could continue to work in a quasi-platoon for the time being, but Groover may be at risk of a demotion to Triple-A Reno once Max Kepler (suspension) is eligible to make his Arizona debut June 25. Since being called up from Triple-A earlier this month, Groover has gone 5-for-25 (.200 average) with no extra-base hits, two RBI and one run through his first seven games.
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Diamondbacks' LuJames Groover: Hits in five straight
Rotowire
Groover went 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI in Friday's 5-2 win over Cincinnati.
The Diamondbacks left several runners in scoring position prior to Groover singling in the game-tying run in the sixth inning. For the night, Arizona was 2-for-12 with RISP. Groover isn't mashing the ball -- he has no extra-base hits -- but the rookie has hit safely in five consecutive starts and remains part of a rotation with Pavin Smith and Ildemaro Vargas at first base and DH.
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Diamondbacks' LuJames Groover: Hitless in debut
Rotowire
Groover went 0-for-4 in Friday's 14-1 loss to the Nationals in his major-league debut.
Groover is set for a short-side platoon role as a corner infielder. The 24-year-old hit .322 with an .873 OPS, three home runs, 39 RBI, 37 runs scored, 16 doubles, one triple and two stolen bases over 56 games prior to his call-up. Groover could challenge Ildemaro Vargas for playing time at first base, and he also offers some cover at third if Nolan Arenado needs to rest his legs.
Groover was invited to major-league camp for spring training, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports
Groover, the team's second-round selection in 2023, hit .281/.367/.474 last season with 10 home runs in 61 games over three minor-league stops. He missed significant time early with a broken wrist and eventually finished at Double-A Amarillo. Groover made up for lost reps in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .339 in 18 games. He's spent time on the diamond at first, second and third base, but Groover needs to improve defensively if he's to stick at third. The soon-to-be 23-year-old showed good plate discipline in the minors, walking nearly as much as striking out.
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Diamondbacks' Gino Groover: Moves up to Double-A
Rotowire
The Diamondbacks promoted Groover from High-A Hillsboro to Double-A Amarillo on Sunday.
Groover started at third base in his Amarillo debut in Sunday's 12-5 loss to Arkansas, going 4-for-5 with a double, two runs and an RBI. The 22-year-old was moved up to Amarillo after producing an .817 OPS in 175 plate appearances at Hillsboro.
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Diamondbacks' Gino Groover: Returns from 60-day IL
Rotowire
High-A Hillsboro reinstated Groover (wrist) from its 60-day injured list Friday.
Groover has played in both of Hillsboro's first two games out of the All-Star break, going 2-for-9 with a double and a walk to bring his slash line to .320/.393/.360 through his first seven contests at the High-A level this season. The 22-year-old third baseman had been on the shelf since April 11 with a broken left wrist that required surgery.
