Arizona Diamondbacks rookie infielder Blaze Alexander is serving as the designated hitter and will bat leadoff on Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers and left-hander James Paxton. Alexander will serve as the club's DH instead of Joc Pederson with the veteran left-hander on the mound in the series opener in Arizona. The 24-year-old former 11th-round pick in 2018 has been great for the Snakes so far in 2024, hitting .322 (19-for-59) with three home runs, 13 RBI and 10 runs scored in his first 20 major-league contests. In his last seven games, he's gone 9-for-24 (.375) with a homer, five doubles, nine RBI and four runs scored. Against left-handers, he's gone 12-for-32 (.375) with two home runs and six RBI, so it's easy to see why he's hitting leadoff against Paxton on Monday.

Arizona Diamondbacks rookie infielder Blaze Alexander (hamstring) remains out of the team's starting lineup on Tuesday as they get set to face the St. Louis Cardinals. Alexander injured his right hamstring on Sunday and will miss his second straight game as a result. The 24-year-old was reportedly available off the bench in Monday's game, though, so it doesn't appear to be a serious injury and he should be considered day-to-day. Kevin Newman is starting at the 6 on Tuesday and will hit eighth against Cardinals left-hander Steven Matz. Although Newman has hit .583 with a 1.416 OPS and five RBI in 12 career at-bats against Matz, he'll still be a low-upside DFS sleeper on Tuesday. Alexander has looked great in his first 18 major-league games in 2024, going 17-for-53 (.321) with three home runs, 13 RBI and a steal in his first 58 plate appearances.

Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Blaze Alexander (hamstring) was forced to exit early during Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants. The young shortstop was pulled out of the game due to cramping in his right hamstring. This sounds like a minor issue that shouldn't force Alexander to the injured list. For the moment, fantasy managers should consider Alexander as day-to-day. Kevin Newman figures to see more playing time until Alexander is ready again.

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Blaze Alexander went 2-for-2 with his second home run of the season in Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Rockies and also drew a walk. The 24-year-old has hit safely in four straight games now and is showing well at the plate in his debut, going 10-for-29 (.345) with two home runs, four RBI, five runs scored, one stolen base, and a 4:9 BB:K in 33 plate appearances. The youngster is filling in for injured Geraldo Perdomo, who is expected back in about a month, but Alexander provides a little more pop than Perdomo. If he continues to hit well it might be hard to get him out of the lineup when Perdomo returns, but he could potentially DH as well. Alexander is also eligible at second base in Yahoo leagues which gives managers additional flexibility.

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop prospect Blaze Alexander finished his impressive Cactus League by going 1-for-2 with a walk and two-run homer versus the Cleveland Guardians. Alexander, 24, made waves this spring by hitting .400 (22-for-55) with two homers, eight RBI and five stolen bases. Alexander has put the pressure on the Diamondbacks to let him break camp as a bench option. Despite shortstop Jordan Lawlar having the better long-term future, it will be hard for the Diamondbacks to send Alexander packing after putting up some of the best spring numbers in all of baseball. If he does break camp, Alexander would operate in a utility role to start the season and could be avoided to minimal opportunity.