Yasmany Tomas makes his first career start with Arizona Diamondbacks

PHOENIX — Two days after collecting his first Major-League hit, Arizona Diamondbacks Cuban star Yasmany Tomas made his first big league start.

And committed his first big league error.

Aside from a two-base fielding error in the third inning, Tomas acquitted himself quite well at third base and was even better at the plate in the D-backs’ 7-1 series-opening loss to the Texas Rangers at Chase Field Tuesday night.

“He had three good at-bats, put the ball in play; got two hits. Did a nice job,” manager Chip Hale said. “Made one error; just didn’t move his feet. But, we know what we have and we know he can hit. We just need to find some at-bats for him.”

Tomas, whom the D-backs signed to a six-year, $68.5 million contract in the offseason, singled to right field in the second, grounded out to shortstop in the fourth and legged out an infield hit in the sixth. He also scored the team’s only run.

Tomas is now batting .429 (3-for-7).

“My goal that I believe is try to do the best that I have in the game,” he said through coach and translator Ariel Prieto.

Though the D-backs still believe Tomas’ future is in the outfield, he’ll likely see some extended time at third with starter Jake Lamb sidelined two to three weeks with a stress reaction in his left foot.

“The injury to Lamb has right now is not good,” Tomas said. “I don’t feel great with that because he’s really important for the team. I’m going to be ready for any responsibility they’re going to give to me.”

It didn’t take long for Tomas to see his first action at the proverbial hot corner.

After an uneventful first inning, he fielded Robinson Chirinos’ ground ball on a short hop and threw across the diamond for the first out in the second — though his throw did pull Paul Goldschmidt into foul territory.

The error came in the third inning.

Tomas’ backhand attempt on a sharply hit ball by Elvis Andrus hit off his glove and carried into left field. Andrus advanced to second, but was left stranded.

Two innings later, there appeared to be some miscommunication between Tomas and catcher Tuffy Gosewisch. Leonys Martin hit a pop fly by the D-backs’ dugout that Tomas reached out and took away from his teammate.

Tomas’ final fielding chance saw him stationed to the right side of second base as the D-backs employed the shift for Prince Fielder. Tomas grabbed up the ground ball easily and a perfect throw to first retired Fielder for the second out of the sixth inning.

Tomas’ night was done as he was lifted for pinch-runner Cliff Pennington following his last at-bat.

“That was the plan; get him three at-bats,” Hale said. “If we’re tied or ahead, go to more of a defender at
that point.”