Pitching Rematch in D-backs, Nationals Makeup Game

Tommy Henry and Jake Irvin square off in repeat of June 6th pitching matchup

Preview

The Diamondbacks (45-30) are back in Washington, DC to face the Nationals (28-45) to makeup the game that was canceled June 8th due to poor air quality.  Mother Nature is making her presence felt again however as it's been raining heavily and the area is under a coastal flooding advisory.  But it' not raining  this morning and first pitch is scheduled for 1:05 P.M. EST, 10:05 A.M. Arizona Time.   The current hourly forecast indicates they should be able to start on time and get the game in as rains are not likely to return unti early evening. 

The Nationals continue to flounder, with the second worst record in the National League. Their 3-0 victory over the Cardinals yesterday was just their 4th win in the month of June, in which they are 4-13.

The D-backs are coming off a 2-1 series victory over the Brewers in Milwaukee, defeating them yesterday 5-1. They are 12-7 in June and will fly out immediately after the game to San Francisco where they will face the red hot Giants, winners of 10 straight games.  The D-backs hold a 2.5 game  division lead over their NL West Rivals

Pitching Matchup

Jack Sommers

Tommy Henry and Jake Irvin faced each other on June 6th, and neither pitcher was particularly effective.  Both pitchers were knocked out in the fifth inning, with Henry giving up five runs, including a first inning grand slam,  and Irvin giving up four runs in 4+ innings. The D-backs came back on the Nationals bullpen to win 10-5.

Henry followed that game with another poor start against the Phillies but then had one of his best starts of the year June 17th against the Guardians, going 6 innings and giving up just two runs despite a 27 pitch first inning and a lot of early traffic on the bases. Irvin didn't pitch again until June 17th, and in that game went five innings giving up just four hits and a run, getting a no decision. 

Lineups

Jack Sommers

Geraldo Perdomo is in the leadoff spot for the 6th straight game. Torey Lovullo said he would give Perdomo some "runway" atop the order to see how it goes. So far the results have been mixed. He's seeing a lot of pitches, but not getting on base as much the past week. He's 4-20, .200 with four walks and a .333 OBP. For the season he's batting .291/.396/.458, .854 OPS.  His 4.38 pitches seen per plate appearance is tied for the 3rd best in all of MLB. 

Nationals leadoff batter Lane Thomas is on a nine game hitting streak, going 13-36, .361 during this stretch, including six doubles, two homers and a .694 slugging percentage. 

Bullpens

Scott McGough appears to have taken over the primary 9th inning role, but the D-backs will not hesitate to use the committee approach. McGough threw two innings, 22 pitches yesterday and likely gets the day off.  The only other reliever who might need a day off is Austin Adams, who threw 32 pitches on Thursday.  Torey Lovullo would love to get at least six innings out of Henry today ahead of the big weekend series in San Francisco.

Hunter Harvey recorded a 13 pitch save for the Nationals yesterday, but had to throw 31 pitches the night before, and is likely not available today. Kyle Finnegan threw 25 pitches yesterday.  All other relievers should be available for the Nationals.