Alek Thomas and Jordan Lawlar figure to be everyday outfielders for the Diamondbacks to start the season. But who plays center field and who starts in left is still undetermined, manager Torey Lovullo said.
“I know they both have been playing exceptional defense,” Lovullo said on Thursday, March 19.
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Thomas is a two-time Gold Glove finalist (2022, 2023) in center field in the National League, but his defense fell off in 2024 and to start 2025 as he dealt with a significant hamstring injury.
Thomas’ speed and jumps improved throughout last season, and Lovullo said his first-step jumps are “becoming elite” again this spring.
Lawlar, meanwhile, spent his entire professional career on the infield, primarily as a shortstop, before transitioning to the outfield last fall. He has looked like a natural in center field this spring.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
The infield is watered before a spring training game that was delayed until evening due to a heat wave at Salt River Fields on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo during spring training practice at Salt River Fields on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Pavin Smith fields a ground ball during spring training practice at Salt River Fields on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
A Cactus League spring training game at Salt River Fields is delayed to an evening start due a heat wave on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes during spring training at Salt River Fields on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte during spring training practice at Salt River Fields on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
A Cactus League spring training game at Salt River Fields is delayed to an evening start due a heat wave on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher A.J. Puk throws during spring training at Salt River Fields on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
A Cactus League spring training game at Salt River Fields is delayed to an evening start due a heat wave on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) during spring training practice at Salt River Fields on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) fields a ball during spring training practice at Salt River Fields on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (2) during spring training practice at Salt River Fields on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes during spring training at Salt River Fields on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
Arizona Diamondbacks infielder Ildemaro Vargas (6) during spring training practice at Salt River Fields on March 19, 2026, near Scottsdale.
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Arizona Diamondbacks spring training game delayed by blistering heat
Fans watch the warn-up from the outfield lawn in the warm weather as the Cincinnati Reds play the Arizona Diamondbacks during a spring training game on March 16, 2026, at Salt River Fields near Scottsdale.
Both have seen only limited time in left field during camp. Thomas played there three times before departing for the World Baseball Classic. Lawlar was focusing on center and only this week saw his first game action in left.
Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas (5) warms up before they play the Cleveland Guardians at Salt River Fields at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale on March 1, 2026.
“They’re running balls down out there,” Lovullo said. “They’re going out there and playing solid defense. Who gets to start in center or left, I haven’t figured that out.”
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No rotation news; Lourdes Gurriel Jr. update
Lovullo said the club has settled on an order for the starting rotation but has yet to talk to left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez about it.
Lovullo initially told reporters Rodriguez was expected in camp on March 19 but he clarified to say the pitcher was traveling back from the World Baseball Classic and would be back on March 20.
As for left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Lovullo made it sound like time might be running out for him to appear in a Cactus League game. He said Gurriel would continue to get at-bats on the backfields.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Where do Jordan Lawlar, Alek Thomas fit in Diamondbacks’ outfield?