It's been kind of a whirlwind start to the 2026 MLB season for the Arizona Diamondbacks. They lost their first three games, then came home to Chase Field and wrapped up a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.

What's more, the D-backs did it against Tigers ace pitcher Tarik Skubal.

So, can the Diamondbacks stay as hot as an August afternoon in Phoenix? They get a chance to extend their three-game winning streak on Thursday night. The Atlanta Braves come into town for a four-game weekend series.

Of course, it's early in the season, and records might not mean much to some fans at this point. Yet both the D-backs and Braves are in second place in their respective National League divisions.

Arizona is a game behind the NL West Division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers, while the Braves sit one game back of the upstart Miami Marlins in the NL East.

On Thursday night, D-backs manager Torey Lovullo is sending out Ryne Nelson to go up against Atlanta's Reynaldo López. First pitch is at 8:40 ET (6:40 MT) from Phoenix.

While the Braves' series will be a test of strength between the two teams, the Diamondbacks are going across the country after dealing with Atlanta. The D-backs travel to Citi Field for a series against the New York Mets.

If D-backs fans are looking for a player to watch early this season, then all eyes better be on outfielder Corbin Carroll. He's been a monster at the plate for Lovullo and his teammates. Entering Thursday night's game, Carroll has a slash line of .333/.762/1.162 with two home runs and seven RBIs.

Carroll has been showing marked improvement in his batting average, slugging percentage, and on-base average. 

It's still early in the season, but seeing Carroll go out and mash as he's been doing must make Lovullo feel pretty happy.

The D-backs want to be in the conversation for an NL West title this season. Can Lovullo get the team back in the playoffs? They have to deal with the Dodgers, of course. 

But winning three straight after losing three in a row to the Dodgers lets Lovullo probably know that his players have a lot of pride in themselves.

They get a chance to extend their win streak to four games against an always tough Braves lineup. 

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