Game #36 Preview: Brandon Pfaadt Makes Second MLB Start

Pfaadt is looking to rebound off a tough start against the Texas Rangers last week.

The Diamondbacks (20-15) will look to take the second game of a three-game series against the Miami Marlins (17-19). Rookie right-hander Brandon Pfaadt will take the mound for his second career start and first at Chase Field. First pitch will be at 6:40 PM.

Starting Pitcher Matchup

RHP Brandon Pfaadt (0-0, 13.50 ERA)

Pfaadt made his major league debut last Wednesday against the Texas Rangers. The Rangers, who enter play today with the sixth best batting average and fourth best OPS in baseball, tagged the D-backs top pitching prospect for seven runs on nine hits. Four of those hits left the ballpark, all no-doubters.

Pfaadt utilizes a fastball, curveball, sweeper, and changeup. He's mostly fastball (92-97 MPH) and sweeper, with the usage of the two pitches around 80-85% in his starts. He's been working on incorporating the changeup more as a potential out pitch against left-handed batters. After paying for location mistakes against the Rangers, the key will be to avoid the middle of the strike zone and work closer to the edges. 

LHP Jesús Luzardo (2-2, 3.66 ERA)

Luzardo's career has been slowed by injuries, but when healthy has been a solid starter for the Marlins the past two seasons. This year has continued that trend, as he's gone at least 5.2 innings in five of his seven starts. In his last start, he allowed four runs (three earned) in 5.2 innings in a 6-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves.

Luzardo utilizes a four-seam fastball that averages 97 MPH, slider, changeup, and sinker. He works the glove side (in vs. RHH, away vs. LHH) with his four-seamer and slider and other side of the plate with the changeup and sinker. His OPS splits are pretty close based on the handedness of the hitter, with a .796 OPS against LHH and .793 vs. RHH. 

Lineups

MLB.com

Notes

The Diamondbacks enter play today ranked second in MLB in batting average (.272), second in strikeout rate (19.8%), sixth in slugging percentage (.444), and fifth in OPS (.774). 

Most of the D-backs hitters don't have much of a track record against Luzardo. Third baseman Evan Longoria has the most success against the Marlins lefty, going 3-for-6 with a home run.

Corbin Carroll and Dominic Fletcher had their hitting streaks snapped yesterday. Carroll had a 12-game streak while Fletcher's six-game tied for the second longest in franchise history.

First baseman Christian Walker's 19 RBI since April 18th are the most by any National League hitter. Over that stretch, Walker is hitting .377 with six doubles, seven home runs, three walks, and a 1.174 OPS in 74 plate appearances.