Called up to fill in after injury, Fernandez looking like a mainstay

MEXICO CITY -- Consistency is the standard the Diamondbacks emphasize for their young players, and so far, Jose Fernandez is meeting it at every turn.

The D-backs’ No. 27 prospect (per MLB Pipeline) has been one of the club’s early-season standouts, slashing .342/.359/.500 with an .859 OPS through 76 at-bats since his Major League debut on March 31. In that debut, he homered twice, becoming the eighth player in MLB history to accomplish that feat in his first regular-season game.

Coming into the season, Arizona’s idea for Fernandez was to find him consistent at-bats while expanding his defensive versatility, particularly with opportunities at third base. Less than a month into his big league career, Fernandez has done more than carve out a role. He’s forcing his way into the conversation as an everyday contributor.

Fernandez was called up a day prior to his debut, replacing first baseman Pavin Smith, who remains on the 60-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. Since then, he has been utilized all over the infield.

The 22-year-old has appeared in eight games at first, posting a .985 fielding average with 58 putouts and one error. He has also spent time as the designated hitter and logged three games at shortstop, including in Arizona’s comeback win in Sunday’s series finale against San Diego.

“I felt like I waited for some time [and] that I deserve for the team to take notice of me because I can compete [in the Major Leagues],” Fernandez said in Spanish. “I go out every day to compete and just look for good pitches, and with that, I know things will go well.”

He stepped in at shortstop on Sunday after Geraldo Perdomo exited Saturday’s game with a left ankle sprain. Perdomo is considered day to day.

“His demeanor, his temperament, he doesn't look glossy-eyed. He seems like he's just ready for any type of engagement on the field. I think there's a high baseball IQ, and now you combine that with his talent, his willingness to go out and help his team win a baseball game, he's a very, very good player with a bright future,” manager Torey Lovullo said.

Despite the way the road trip to Mexico City ended, it did include some setbacks. Perdomo, Zac Gallen and Adrian Del Castillo each dealt with injuries, with Del Castillo exiting Game 2 early. Lovullo said there was some “bitterness,” but expressed optimism that all three will recover quickly.

All three players said they felt “fine” and only expected some soreness in the following days.

With Gallen’s early exit in the opener, Lovullo emphasized the need for offensive production, something the club lacked in Saturday’s 6-4 loss but found in the finale.

Fernandez played a key role in that response.

He recorded three hits and three runs, including a 409-foot home run to left field. The ball left his bat at 103.1 mph with a 26-degree launch angle off a sweeper left in the middle of the zone. All three of his home runs this season have been pulled.

“The main thing is to help the team win. I’m happy because things went well -- we had productive hits, which is what we’re looking for,” Fernandez said. “The home run was off a slider, [and] that homer was heard in all the stadium which was truly awesome.”

Fernandez said the atmosphere reminded him of playing at home in Venezuela. Prior to the opener, he also participated in a Play Ball event, an experience that brought him back to his own beginnings in the game.

Growing up in Cumaná, he didn’t have opportunities to be around professional players, so having the chance to connect with kids and fans this week was especially meaningful.

“It was a special moment for me, and I think it was a beautiful experience that I was able to give to them and them to me,” Fernandez said. “To play here in front of Mexican fans was special; the game can be enjoyed more, they were always cheering from the first pitch to the last, and it made me feel like I was at home with my family.”