Diamondbacks Project Opening Day Lineup Ahead of World Baseball Classic Action

With just two weeks until the games truly count, the Arizona Diamondbacks are fine-tuning their roster and projecting their Opening Day lineup. While the rotation and bullpen still have some decisions to be made, particularly regarding whether Merrill Kelly will start the season on the injured list, the position player group is coming into focus. Recent minor league reassignments have clarified the roster, as prospects like outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt and infielder Tommy Troy have been sent down, hinting at a more settled lineup.

As it stands, the D-backs’ Opening Day lineup is shaping up, especially with the upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are likely to start a right-handed pitcher. This matchup will set the stage for how the Diamondbacks align their players, as they look to make a strong impression right out of the gate.

In a notable development, the Diamondbacks have been experimenting with Jordan Lawlar in center field, a position he hasn’t played since his travel ball days. With Geraldo Perdomo at shortstop and the newly acquired Nolan Arenado at third, Lawlar’s transition to center has been met with optimism. “I enjoy playing every day,” he remarked, drawing a parallel between tracking down baseballs and running routes as a slot receiver in football.

Meanwhile, former Diamondbacks left-hander Jalen Beeks has reportedly signed a major league deal with the Texas Rangers, pending a physical. Beeks, who was one of the D-backs’ effective relievers in the 2025 season, will not be returning to Arizona as the regular season approaches.

The World Baseball Classic is also capturing attention, with Ketel Marte among seven Diamondbacks advancing in the tournament. As pool play wrapped up, teams are shifting focus to the win-or-go-home games starting this weekend. Players and prospects from the Diamondbacks who were eliminated have begun returning to spring training, ready to rejoin their teammates.

As the WBC progresses, the stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable. With the tournament field narrowed down to eight teams, fans are eager to see how the remaining contenders, including the Diamondbacks’ own Marte, will perform as they chase glory on the international stage.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.