SCOTTSDALE — As Cactus League games are officially underway, the Arizona Diamondbacks are getting a preview of what could be in store for the regular season.

Arizona Diamondbacks Nolan Arenado (center) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 16, 2026, in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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The Diamondbacks open their Spring Training against National League West division rival the Colorado Rockies.

At the top are second baseman Ketel Marte and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo, who continue to hold down two of the top three spots in the batting order. They’re followed by Pavin Smith as the designated hitter, with catcher Gabriel Moreno in the cleanup spot.

The team has also added veterans Nolan Arenado and Carlos Santana — playing for Arizona for the first time — into the mix, along with young outfielders Alek Thomas, Ryan Waldschmidt and Jorge Barrosa to round out the batting order.

Arizona Diamondbacks’ Pavin Smith during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 16, 2026, in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Right-handed pitcher Thomas Hatch will open the game for Arizona. Hatch signed with the club on a minor league contract in January after splitting time between Kansas City and Minnesota last season. He finished 2025 with a 5.82 ERA, 22 strikeouts and a 1.68 WHIP.

The lineup is filled with established stars and newcomers, suggesting this could be a group manager Torey Lovullo works with as the year progresses. A few notable names are absent from the club’s first game, including Corbin Carroll and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who are both still recovering from injuries but aren’t expected to miss significant time.

One outfielder who is also missing is Jake McCarthy, who will participate in Friday’s game but not in Sedona Red. McCarthy will make his Rockies debut in center field while hitting leadoff.

Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Gabriel Moreno (14) talks to pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 16, 2026, in Scottsdale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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The Diamondbacks will face right-handed pitcher Antonio Senzatela, who finished the 2025 season with a 6.65 ERA, 73 strikeouts and a 1.84 WHIP.

While Spring Training games are designed to prepare players for the regular season, they represent more than just a preseason tune-up. Many players use this time as an opportunity to build chemistry and develop a deeper understanding of the organization. With several new faces on the roster, this year’s camp could prove to be one of the most important in recent memory for the Snakes.

As the team opens its Cactus League schedule, Friday’s matchup may offer a glimpse of what’s to come for the Diamondbacks in 2026.

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The D-backs and Rockies face off Friday, Feb. 20, at 1:10 p.m.

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde