Electric Rookie Out of Diamondbacks' Lineup vs Braves

The talented rookie takes a seat.

Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jose Fernandez (11) makes the off balance throw for an out against the Detroit Tigers in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Arizona Diamondbacks historic rookie infielder Jose Fernandez won't be in Thursday night's lineup against the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field after playing in back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday.

In Fernandez's MLB debut, the 22-year-old infielder crushed two home runs, going 3-for-4 in a wild comeback victory over the Detroit Tigers.

He went 0-for-3 with a hard-hit ball against Tigers ace Tarik Skubal on Wednesday, but made a pair of excellent defensive plays while manning first base for the first time in 2026.

Thursday's lineup sees both veteran third baseman Nolan Arenado and veteran first baseman Carlos Santana at their respective positions, with — of course — Geraldo Perdomo taking shortstop.

Jose Fernandez not in Diamondbacks' lineup vs Braves

Fernandez was called up as the corresponding addition for DH and 1B Pavin Smith, who went down on the injured list due to an elbow injury. Fernandez was coming off an exceptional spring training, but was likely not expected to be such an immediate weapon in the D-backs' lineup.

After Fernandez's historic debut and two-homer game, manager Torey Lovullo told reporters he would put the young infielder back in the lineup.

There is a decent likelihood Fernandez will come off the bench in Thursday's opener against the Braves, however. Not only does his bat come with exceptional pop, he displayed a sprint speed of 30.2 feet per second — a speed that rivals Corbin Carroll's.

Arizona's full lineup for Thursday's game is as follows:

1. 2B Ketel Marte
2. DH Corbin Carroll
3. SS Geraldo Perdomo
4. C Gabriel Moreno
5. CF Alek Thomas
6. 3B Nolan Arenado
7. 1B Carlos Santana
8. LF Jordan Lawlar
9. RF Jorge Barrosa

Carroll, notably, will get a game off his feet, with Jorge Barrosa getting a start in right and Alek Thomas returning to center field facing a right-handed Braves starter in Reynaldo Lopez.

Diamondbacks look to continue momentum behind Ryne Nelson

Arizona will turn to righty Ryne Nelson, whose last outing was not his best. The D-backs' best young starter fell victim to a big inning, giving up four runs to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Nelson did not appear to be losing the hold of his premium fastball or pitching exceptionally poorly, however. He is primed for a bounce-back against a solid Braves lineup, though not one that comes with quite the same firepower as the Dodgers.

Lopez, meanwhile, went six innings and allowed just one run on three hits in his season debut for Atlanta.