SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- After just three days of workouts, the D-backs open Cactus League play on Thursday against the Rockies, and while we know that the win-loss record during spring doesn't mean much, there are plenty of reasons to pay attention to the games for the next three weeks.

Here's a look at some of the things to keep your eye on:

Who's on third?
D-backs general manager Mike Hazen did not rule out the club acquiring a third baseman before the April 7 regular-season opener against the Padres, but if they don't, it will be worth watching who plays third this spring.

Josh Rojas looks like the most likely internal candidate to wind up in the Opening Day lineup at the hot corner, but there are others like Josh VanMeter, Drew Ellis and Matt Davidson to also keep tabs on.

Speaking of Rojas
Hazen said in a meeting with reporters Wednesday that unless something drastically changes, Rojas would probably "stay on the dirt" this year, meaning his playing time would come at third, short and second.

Last year, Rojas moved all over the diamond, including playing third, short, second, left field and right field.

Pavin Smith's position
After examining why the club had so many defensive lapses last season, the front office came to the conclusion that it would be better to limit that in 2022.

In Rojas' case, that means staying in the infield, but in the case of Pavin Smith, it means limiting him to one side of the field -- meaning right field and first base.

Where will Ketel Marte play?
The days of Marte patrolling center field appear to be over. The plan is for him to open the season as the starting second baseman.

Marte has a background at shortstop, however, and it will be interesting to see if he is the primary backup at that position when Nick Ahmed is out of the lineup. We should have a better feel for that by seeing how often he's used at short this spring.

Catching corps
Carson Kelly will be the D-backs starting catcher, with Daulton Varsho also set to make the team both as a catcher and an outfielder.

Given that Varsho figures to see significant time in center field, Arizona may wind up carrying another catcher on the roster -- so keep an eye out for how the other catchers in camp perform this spring. That list includes Jose Herrera and non-roster invites Juan Centeno, Juan Graterol and Grayson Greiner.

Rotation battle
The D-backs have one spot in the rotation open behind Madison Bumgarner, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Luke Weaver. There could possibly be two spots if Gallen opens the year on the injured list.

Arizona is going to stretch out a number of pitchers as starters -- think Tyler Gilbert, Dan Straily, Taylor Widener, Humberto Mejia, Humberto Castellanos, Luis Frias, Corbin Martin and Caleb Smith, just to name a few. Getting innings for all of them in a shortened Cactus League schedule will be a challenge, so there will be plenty of "B" games, and possibly, simulated games.

Of those who don't win rotation spots, some will go to Triple-A Reno to start, while others could become bullpen candidates with the D-backs. Part of that is because, with the abbreviated spring, starters may not be ready to pitch very deep into games at the outset, so more innings will be needed from the bullpen.

Hazen also did not rule out the D-backs using some type of an "opener" with the fifth spot -- something they had been hesitant to do in the past -- given that the National League now has the designated hitter.

What kind of spring does Alek Thomas have?
Thomas, one of the team's best prospects, has just a month of Triple-A experience under his belt, but Hazen on Thursday made sure to include Thomas' name in the group of players who could win the Opening Day center-field job.