Manager Torey Lovullo described it as \u201cleave the glove at first base and run in,\u201d like kids playing on a sandlot.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe actually didn\u2019t have a glove in place that was ready to use, so he was gracious enough to let us borrow it,\u201d Vargas told Arizona Sports via Spanish interpreter. \u201cAnd based on his long career, his trajectory, being able to have that, it\u2019s a blessing to have that, thanks to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo last year, in Double-A, Manuel Pe\u00f1a would lend me his first base glove,\u201d Fernandez told Arizona Sports via Spanish interpreter. \u201cThis year we\u2019re sharing it because I have a first base glove, but it\u2019s still not broken, it\u2019s still new.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lovullo could not recall another instance of players he coached or teammates sharing a mitt. Gloves can be very personal to players.<\/p>\n
The skipper does have personal experience sharing bats with teammates before, which is more common.<\/p>\n
Lovullo remembered a spring training game back in the 1980s while he played for the Detroit Tigers. He, Scott Lusader and Billy Bean all came up to the plate with the same bat and received a mouthful from Cincinnati Reds catcher Joe Oliver.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou guys are all using the same bat? Are you guys in Little League?\u201d Lovullo recanted. \u201cSo it\u2019s as close as I can remember getting to something like that, but I\u2019ve never seen it before.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vargas played more at first base last season than at any other point in his career. He said he used his own first baseman\u2019s mitt last year, but when a Gold Glover offers you his gear, why not take advantage?<\/p>\n
The Gold Glove patch on it doubles as a motivator for Fernandez, whose career is just getting started.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a dream,\u201d Fernandez said. \u201cI mean, one day I\u2019d like to earn my own.\u201d<\/p>\n
Santana, who is working his way back off the injured list, has used multiple other gloves this year, with a teal one and a black one, all Rawlings.<\/p>\n
How is Jose Fernandez looking at first base?<\/p>\n
Fernandez played 69 innings of first base in Double-A Amarillo last season, and the Diamondbacks have leaned on his versatility to get him everyday at-bats.<\/p>\n
As of Sunday, Fernandez started eight games at first base, two at third base and another at shortstop.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, it feels the same as minor leagues. I just want to stay in the lineup,\u201d Fernandez said. \u201cIt\u2019s good to be able to get those reps at different positions because it allows them to, whenever they need me, they can use me in different positions.\u201d<\/p>\n
So far, with Arizona having to pivot away from Santana and Pavin Smith at first base due to injuries, Fernandez and Vargas have combined for three defensive runs saved and one error so far.<\/p>\n
Lovullo complimented Fernandez\u2019s baseball IQ and coachability so far to adapt to moving around the diamond while learning how to be a big leaguer.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think he\u2019s an excellent shortstop and an excellent third baseman,\u00a0but I feel like anybody that can play shortstop can move across the field\u00a0and accept any other position on the diamond,\u201d Lovullo said. <\/p>\n
\u201cNow you have to initiate some footwork, which I think he became familiar with last year\u00a0or in years past when he was playing first.\u00a0So I think it was a quick adjustment.\u00a0He\u2019s a fast study, and he\u2019s doing just fine for right now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lovullo said on Friday that Santana has been hitting off a tee at this point, while Smith underwent surgery<\/a> to remove loose bodies from his elbow.<\/p>\n
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