Arizona Diamondbacks management confirmed a few weeks ago what many had noticed during spring training games, that pricey Cuban import Yasmany Tomas wasn’t quite ready for the major leagues at the plate and in the field. Tomas was sent to Triple-A Reno, but it lasted a mere five games, in which he didn’t really hit and, yes, didn’t exactly shine defensively. So it was a bit surprising when the Diamondbacks, with seemingly too many outfielders as it is, promoted Tomas to the big league team Wednesday, claiming the goal is to give the team a spark off the bench.

Tomas did not start the 3-2 loss in San Diego against the Padres, but he pinch hit in the seventh inning of a 2-2 game against tiring right-hander Brandon Morrow. Tomas didn’t see a fastball from the hard-thrower, likely by design, before he meekly grounded out to second base. It’s one at-bat and tells us nothing, and Tomas could get the opportunity to start Thursday when the San Francisco Giants send awesome lefty Madison Bumgarner to the mound to start the series. Tomas hits right-handed, so who knows, he could be in the lineup at third base or in a corner outfield spot. It’s not like Tomas did anything at Reno to force the organization’s hand, as he hit .190 with one home run in 21 at-bats. When we talk of small sample sizes, yes, that’s small. Tomas is making a lot of money, but it’s problematic whether he’s ready to be a regular or a spark. Frankly, it’s a bit embarrassing that the Diamondbacks don’t have more hitters on their 40-man roster for promotion, or this could have been avoided.

In our fantasy world, this is not the normal promotion because Tomas, you see, is fourth in ownership in ESPN standard leagues among the Diamondbacks hitters, which doesn’t really match his actual value. A 22nd-round pick and top-60 outfielder in ESPN ADP, and quite a bit better than that until late March when a demotion seemed likely, Tomas should hit for power but provide little else statistically. But because he’s never failed before at this level, the curious nature of most fantasy owners is enough to make people do odd things. Unlike ballyhooed Chicago Cubs third-base prospect Kris Bryant, perhaps an instant All-Star and power prodigy, Tomas wasn’t in the minor leagues for financial or team control issues. He just didn’t look at all ready. I’m not sure what has changed. Bryant, by the way, is ready and could play in the majors Friday.

Still, with the only Diamondbacks owned in more ESPN leagues being Paul Goldschmidt, Mark Trumbo and A.J. Pollock, this matters. What would I do with Tomas’ rights in a 10-team fantasy league? I’d let someone else deal with it. Yeah, I know that’s a bit too simplistic, but I really don’t think he’s going to play enough, at least this month, to warrant a roster spot in a 10- or 12-team league. The Diamondbacks really shouldn’t sit potentially blossoming third baseman Jake Lamb, and Aaron Hill has been an early platoon partner for him against tough left-handers. Pollock is the regular center fielder and Trumbo handles right field, as well as he can handle it defensively I suppose, and there’s still Ender Inciarte and the underrated David Peralta, each of whom hits from the left side. This is not the best constructed team and although a right-handed-hitting outfielder is warranted, is that how Tomas fits in initially?

It’s also possible Tomas is only in the majors for a few days or weeks, and then heads back to Nevada for regular at-bats and perhaps more importantly, more work defensively. My goal isn’t to be negative here. It’s an odd time to promote Tomas. Inciarte is a potential leadoff option and strong defensively. Peralta has some pop and has hit cleanup in each of his five starts, so it would seem unlikely he’ll be benched. Trumbo sure won’t be sitting and few trades occur before late July. Is it possible Pollock and Inciarte get platooned in center and Peralta and Tomas in left? It could happen, but it really shouldn’t.

One important thing for overeager fantasy owners to remember is that just because Tomas is of Cuban descent has no bearing on whether he’s going to be the same type of hitter or bring the same degree of success -- or failure -- as fellow countrymen Yasiel Puig, Jose Abreu, Dayan Viciedo and many others. We tried to warn of this last season with Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Alex Guerrero, who looks like he can rake at the plate, but defense is likely flagging his opportunity. Everyone is different. With Tomas, who doesn’t appear to be close to the same level athletically, it’s not the same. I have no doubt he possesses power, as does the currently unemployed Viciedo, but until further notice, his promotion has little bearing in fantasy until we see a defined and regular role, and that doesn’t seem likely anytime soon. If you add him and expect numbers, be prepared for quite a few pinch-hitting assignments and frustration. Maybe he can provide a spark off the bench, but that doesn’t really spark a fantasy roster.

Diamondbacks talk: This team’s middle infield options haven’t hit at all, and I’m not sure they will. I liked Chris Owings a year ago, but every other at-bat I see of his is a strikeout. Nick Ahmed won the shortstop job, but in nine games has nary an extra-base hit or run scored. Aaron Hill looks pretty much done. Tomas sure can’t play second base. ... There’s also no starting catcher in the organization. Tuffy Gosewisch tries hard and is more than competent defensively, but an upgrade is needed. ... Lamb should be the fourth-most owned Diamondbacks hitter. While Lamb hasn’t knocked in a run in more than a week, he gets a hit every day and supplies good at-bats. And I think he can handle lefties if the team allows him to try. How else will he learn? Lamb projects cautiously to hit .280 with 15 home runs. ... I filmed a video on prospect Peter O’Brien, acquired from the New York Yankees in the Martin Prado deal last year. O’Brien can hit for power, and he can do this now. He can’t be a catcher, though he is eligible there. Perhaps he’s a candidate for corner outfield platoon duty this summer.