Game Preview #57: Diamondbacks Go For Sweep Vs. Rockies

The calendar flips to June as D-backs surprising season marches on

The Diamondbacks have put together back to back winning months in 2023, going 16-12 in March/April and 17-10 in May.  Their 33-23 record marks the first time they've been 10 games over .500 since September 8th, 2018. The Dodgers are just a half game in front in the NL West with a 34-23 record. If the Diamondbacks manage to pull off the four-game sweep against the Rockies today they'll match the Dodgers for the best record in the National League and pull into a tie for the division lead. 

Game Time: 12:40 MST, at Chase Field

Lineups

Jack Sommers

Pitching Matchup

Jack Sommers

Notes

Pavin Smith is back in the leadoff spot tonight. Last night he got on base all five trips to the plate with a single, double, and three walks.  For his career he's hit .268/.348/.458 batting leadoff. He said he enjoys being in that spot and getting the chance to set the tone for the rest of the lineup. It also seems to play to his strength as a batter, as seeing pitches and surveying the strike zone is something he's been able to do well most of his career.  His 4.08 Pitches per plate appearance is the 3rd highest on the team, behind only Christian Walker (4.20) and Geraldo Perdomo (4.38).  League average is 3.90

Zach Davies is making his third start of the season, and just his second since coming back from a left oblique injury suffered on April 8th. He should be stretched out enough to go 90 pitches today. 

Connor Seabold was a late change yesterday evening, as Chase Anderson was originally scheduled to take the start for Colorado. Seabold has worked 7 games in relief and made five starts.  He made starts against the Rangers and the Mets on May 21st and May 26th respectively. They did not go well as he took the loss both times, allowing a total of 9 runs in 8.1 innings.  He throws a 92.5 MPH four seamer, a slider and a changeup. 

Charlie Blackmon is back in the lineup for the Rockies. He was on the bereavement list for the first three games of the series due to the passing of his Grand Father.

Kris Bryant was placed on the injured list retroactive to May 31st with a bruised left heel. 

Diamondbacks Improved Pitching 

A few days ago we took a look at he changing personnel and overall improvement for the D-backs pitching staff. That improvement has continued this week against a weak Rockies lineup, who rank 26th in baseball with an 87 OPS+ (Park adjusted OPS, 100 = league average).  Here is how the D-backs ERA  and team ranks break out for the first two months of the season.

Jack Sommers