It’s a relief for Arizona that Alexander managed to avoid serious injury after being hit by a pitch on the left elbow during Sunday’s contest against the Twins. The versatile 26-year-old has put together a phenomenal second half to seemingly cement his spot as part of the team’s future nucleus.

Alexander appeared to be in a serious amount of pain after being drilled on the left elbow. He was 0-for-1 with a run scored before departing. He’ll presumably head for X-rays to determine whether he suffered any fractures. There should be an update on his status soon. It’s a tough development for the unhealded 26-year-old, who has had a phenomenal second half with seven homers over 29 games in the month of August.

Gabriel Moreno singled in the go-ahead run before Alexander broke things open tonight. We figured Alexander would take a backseat at third base when Jordan Lawlar was called up and start seeing more time at other positions, but while that was the case initially, he’s now started five straight games at third, with Lawlar only in the lineup twice as a DH during that span. It suggests Alexander might go into next spring as the favorite at that spot, as Lawlar’s minor league success hasn’t translated just yet.

Arizona is attempting to find creative ways to keep Alexander’s sizzling-hot bat in their lineup by giving him an opportunity in center field where his speed and athleticism should be a natural fit. The 26-year-old has been on fire since the start of August, batting .255 (26-for-102) with seven homers, 15 RBI and one steal in 29 contests. Ketel Marte is back at the keystone with top prospect Jordan Lawlar at the hot corner on Tuesday evening to face Rangers lefty Patrick Corbin.