Thomas started in center field and batted eighth Thursday, going 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored in a 16-1 win over the Rockies on Opening Day.
The 23-year-old struggled against left-handers last season, but he got the start against Kyle Freeland to kick off 2024 with Randal Grichuk (ankle) on the IL to begin the year. Thomas had one hit in three plate appearances total against southpaws Thursday, but it's unclear if the Diamondbacks plan a strict platoon with him, as had just 81 plate appearances against left-handers in 2023. Until Grichuk gets healthy though, Arizona doesn't have an outfielder on its bench who hits from the right side.