Arizona Diamondbacks fans were already treated to Ryan Waldschmidt's official MLB debut on Friday night — a pinch-hit at-bat in the eighth inning that led to his first career base hit .

But on Saturday, a new era of the D-backs outfield begins . Waldschmidt will get his first official start at the major league level against the New York Mets in Arizona's 4:15 p.m. game at Chase Field.

Waldschmidt will play center field and bat ninth in the order — and there's a reason for that.

Diamondbacks' Ryan Waldschmidt gets first start vs Mets

May 8, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt in the dugout prior to the game against the New York Mets at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J.…