Staggered D-backs Try to Recover From Devastating Losses

With injuries mounting, the Diamondbacks look to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Braves with Ryne Nelson on the mound.

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson (19) licks his fingers before pitching against the / Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY

Following last night's devastating 9-8 loss to the Atlanta Braves, the Diamondbacks don't have much time to lick their wounds. Game time today is 10:35 A.M. MST, or 1:35 EST at Truist Park in Atlanta.

After blowing leads of 6-0 and 8-2 late Saturday, the D-backs have lost three straight one run games for the first time since May 15-17, 2022. While only nine games into the season, the bullpen is already taxed and Torey Lovullo was in the position of trying to protect certain relievers. That led to going with low leverage relievers Bryce Jarvis and Luis Frias to protect an 8-5 lead, and they couldn't do it.

The team suffered yet another blow with the injury to 2023 All Star Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. Per our earlier report, he has a torn meniscus that wil require surgery and wil be out at least a month. Kevin Newman had his contract selected from the Reno Aces and is in at second base today, with Blaze Alexander at shortstop. Ketel Marte will be the DH.

Kevin Newman in at second base, and Ketel DH today for the #Dbacks pic.twitter.com/3gXVzFRSWr

— Jack Sommers (@shoewizard59) April 7, 2024

Now they'll need to try to regroup and stop the fearsome Braves lineup with struggling fifth starter Ryne Nelson. In his first outing of the year against the Yankees on Monday, Nelson looked much like the pitcher that lost his rotation spot last September. Unable to command his fastball or land his secondary pitches, he was hit around, lasting just 2.2 innings and giving up five runs on five hits and four walks.

That was an especially discouraging outing as Nelson had pitched very well in spring training. He captured the fifth starter's role by out-pitching Tommy Henry, showing much improved command. He was also generating a lot more swing and miss with improved secondary stuff setting up his fastball,. None of that was on display against the Yankees, and it doesn't get any easier against the Braves lineup.

Chris Sale is making his second start for the Braves. He was effective in a no-decision in his first outing against the Phillies, throwing 5.1 innings and giving up just two runs on five hits, two walks and seven strikeouts. His fastball velocity has ticked up and his slider is as devastating as ever. The 6'6" Sale slings the pitch from almost a side arm delivery making it almost impossible to hit for all but the very best left-handed hitters. Beset by injuries over the last few years, Sale is finally healthy and will be counted on to fill a big void left by the injury to Spencer Strider.

With the exception of backup catcher, the Braves have their entire regular starting lineup in the game. No "Sunday Lineups" for this juggernaut of a team

Sunday at the park!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/K8o0pzhhxx

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 7, 2024