The Arizona Diamondbacks will face the Phillies in the finale of a major series – and with a familiar face at their side.
Merrill Kelly was placed on the injured list on April 23 with a strained right shoulder. Since then, the D-backs have had some rotational inconsistencies, with only Brandon Pfaadt remaining injury-free all year. Kelly will be a breath of fresh air, as all of the projected starting pitchers to suit up for Arizona in 2024 will finally be on the same active roster.
Prior to today’s game, Kelly was activated from the injured list, Scott McGough was assigned to AAA Reno, and Humberto Castellanos was DFA’d to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. Read more here.
Tonight, the D-backs have a chance to continue their incredible streak after already securing the series split and with a win tonight, they could potentially win their 8th straight home series. That winning streak stretches back to the series split against Atlanta on July 11th.
Merrill Kelly, RHP, 2-0, 2.19 ERA, 3.78 FIP in 24.2 IP
Kelly has been out of action for most of the season following a long healing and rehab process. Following E-Rod’s debut earlier this week, he returns to the Diamondbacks’ rotation alongside Eduardo Rodriguez.
Last year, Kelly had the best season of his career, posting a 3.29 ERA in 177.2 IP and being a force in the playoffs, including beating the Texas Rangers in Game 2 of the World Series. The Phillies are no stranger to Kelly either, having played against them several times in the NLCS, including at Citizens Bank Park during the final winning streak that would clinch the series.
Kelly was dominant in his few appearances earlier this year, but he has long been hailed as the team’s “mainstay” as he typically delivers the most consistent numbers and gives the Diamondbacks a chance to win the series today.
Cristopher Sanchez, LHP, 8-7, 3.27 ERA, 2.77 FIP in 126.2 IP
Sanchez has been a force this year against left-handed hitters, who have only had a .553 OPS and a .275 OBP this year. He has been a fantastic pitcher in the Philly rotation, joining a strong group of Wheeler, Nola and Suarez in one of the best rotations in MLB.
His last start was a strong 6 IP outing where he allowed just 1 earned run against the Dodgers in Los Angeles, but Sanchez was coming off one of his worst starts of the year against Cleveland before his comeback appearance, pitching just 5.2 innings and allowing 6 runs against the Guardians.
One potential advantage the Diamondbacks will have to exploit today is Sanchez’s home/away splits, with the left-hander’s ERA rising from 2.32 in Philadelphia to an astonishing 4.78 in away stadiums. His OPS+ against opponents is also 120 on the road.
The Diamondbacks will be without MVP candidate Ketel Marte today, who suffered an ankle injury last night. However, Marte himself believes he will not be out for long and will be able to play on Monday. Manager Torey Lovullo also said that his concern about Marte’s injury is “minimal” at this time.
In his place, reliable all-rounder Kevin Newman will move into the lineup at second base, with shortstop Geraldo Perdomo taking over the first batting position against the left-handed starter.
Randal Grichuk will start as a DH against a left-hander and Adrian Del Castillo will make his third Major League appearance.
