Diamondbacks third baseman reaches 2,000 career hits

Nolan Arenado hit a double down the left-field line in the fifth inning Monday night to reach 2,000 career hits. The Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman connected on a fastball from Athletics left-hander Jeffrey Springs during a 5-2 loss at Chase Field.

The 35-year-old became the sixth active player with at least 2,000 hits, joining Freddie Freeman, Jose Altuve, Andrew McCutchen, Paul Goldschmidt and Manny Machado. He is also one of six major leaguers with at least 2,000 hits, 350 home runs and 10 Gold Gloves.

context Arenado played his first eight seasons with the Colorado Rockies and the next five with the St. Louis Cardinals before joining the Diamondbacks this year. He entered Monday batting .244 with 13 home runs and a .739 OPS. The eight-time All-Star owns a .280 career batting average, 366 home runs and 1,228 RBIs. He has won 10 Gold Gloves.

Arenado said the milestone felt good and credited his health for allowing him to continue playing. He noted that Schmidt was among the first Hall of Famers to praise his play at third base. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo called managing Arenado an honor and said the player makes the team better.