Arizona Diamondbacks: Tim Locastro sets major league record Saturday night
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Tim Locastro is not the type of player that will garner many headlines. He has spent parts of five seasons in the majors, receiving more than 100 plate appearances just once in that time. While he may be a valuable depth option, his career was likely to have been forgotten shortly after it comes to an end.
That was before Saturday. With his second steal of the season, he has set a new major league record for the most consecutive steals without getting caught to begin a career.
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Tim Locastro carves his place in MLB record book
Locastro already had a well deserved reputation of being the fastest man in baseball. Of his four hits entering Saturday’s action, two were infield hits to short. Even though he may not have much in the way of pop in his bat, his ability to make contact and his impressive speed have made him a viable fourth outfielder.
He will get more of an opportunity to prove his value in the short term. With Ketel Marte on the Injured List due to his strained right hamstring, Locastro should get a longer look in center. Although he will not be able to replicate Marte’s production, he could end up being a valuable part of the lineup.
One has to wonder whether or not he will hold the record for long. Cavan Biggio has been successful in his first 20 stolen base attempts to start his career. As his playing time is more secure moving forward than Locastro’s, it is possible that Biggio could surpass his mark.
Nonetheless, the Diamondbacks’ outfielder has his moment in the spotlight. He has supplanted Hall of Famer Tim Raines at the top of that list, and while he himself may not be inducted in Cooperstown, it is likely that he will be a part of the display due to that steal.
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Tim Locastro made history on Saturday night as he stole his 28th consecutive base to begin his career. Let’s see how many more he can get.