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D-backs Try to Even Series Against Rockies

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Diamondbacks
By Michael McDermott | Last updated 8/15/23

The Diamondbacks let a 4-2 lead slip by last night, as the Rockies hit six singles in the eighth inning. They'll have to quickly bounce back today, which has now become a must-win if this team has any hopes of making the postseason with the final Wild Card.

The same is true for Joe Mantiply, who was saddled with the loss last night after failing to retire any of the three hitters he faced, as he will get the start as the opener. Who pitches next could be anyone's guess, but it's likely we see one of Bryce Jarvis or Slade Cecconi on the mound to eat the most innings. Coors Field can be a tricky venue to play for a rookie pitcher, but both pitchers were recently promoted from Triple-A Reno. Reno's home ballpark, Greater Nevada Field, plays very similar to Coors, as both parks have a very large outfield, a wind tunnel in right-center field, and at high elevation.

Opposing the D-backs will be left-hander Ty Blach. Blach is a Denver native that was drafted out of the fifth round by the San Francisco Giants in the 2012 MLB Draft. He's been a journeyman for both the Giants and Rockies but has done a decent job for them in 11 appearances this season. Blach is 1-1 with a 4.22 ERA on the season, relying on a sinker, cutter, curveball, and changeup combination to keep hitters off-balance and induce weak contact. In 14 appearances against the D-backs, he has a 3.14 ERA in 28 2/3 innings.

Lineups

The D-backs will play Gurriel and Pham in the same outfield for the first time this season. Pham will start in right field and Gurriel in left field.

Carroll has struggled in the second half, as he’s been trying to make a big swing change to keep his top hand on the bat longer. Since returning from his first All-Star game, he is hitting .208/.302/.386 and is striking out in nearly a quarter of his plate appearances.

Bullpens

After going three days in a row, Miguel Castro is likely unavailable to pitch out of the bullpen tonight. Kyle Nelson has also thrown back-to-back games, although has only had a total of six pitches between both appearances, so he could be available in an emergency. However, the rest of the backend of the bullpen, Ginkel and Sewald, should be a full go for tonight.

A bit of a sobering note on the bullpen as a unit, Arizona ranks 26th in ERA (4.60), 23rd in park and league-adjusted ERA+ (96), and 22nd in Win Probability Added (-1.76), and 26th in shutdowns (86). Shutdowns are classified as a relief appearance that improves the team's win expectancy by 6%, or 0.06. While not the dumpster fire of last year's relief corps, there isn't much improvement and the unit has been a big reason behind the team's 11-26 collapse since June 28th. Over that stretch, the bullpen has a 5.73 ERA and has blown eight saves. Scott McGough has a 10.91 ERA in his last 17 games.

The Rockies bullpen is well rested, although Matt Koch and Brent Suter have both pitched in two of the last three days, so Colorado may avoid using them tonight unless necessary.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Diamondbacks and was syndicated with permission.

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