The Arizona Diamondbacks are set to take on the Texas Rangers in the rubber match of their three-game series, with right-hander Ryne Nelson taking the mound for the Snakes. All eyes are on the lineup as manager Torey Lovullo addresses the early-season performance of rookie Ryan Waldschmidt.

Waldschmidt, who has been batting ninth, hasn't posted eye-popping numbers, but his competitive at-bats and hard contact have stood out in a Diamondbacks offense that has struggled for consistency. Through five games, he's gone 4-for-14 (.286) with a pair of doubles—a solid start for a young player finding his footing.

When asked before Wednesday's series finale at Globe Life Field if he'd considered moving Waldschmidt up in the order, Lovullo was firm in his approach. "Not yet," he said. "I want to just get him grounded. I like him hitting ninth, turning it over to the boys at the top. That's really what I want that number nine hitter to do: see pitches, drive the baseball, get on base. You've got some really good hitters sitting there at the top."

It's a familiar strategy for Lovullo, who has historically kept young hitters at or near the bottom of the lineup as they acclimate to the majors before gradually elevating them. The message is clear: patience is key. "We'll see what happens over the course of the next several at-bats and several months," Lovullo added. "We'll see what happens."

For now, Waldschmidt remains in the nine-hole, tasked with setting the table for Arizona's top-of-the-order bats. As the Diamondbacks look to capture the series against a tough Rangers squad, all eyes will be on how this rookie continues to develop—and whether his performance will soon earn him a promotion in the lineup.