Can the Diamondbacks continue their winning ways against the Marlins?
The Arizona Diamondbacks have surged recently, winning 10 of their last 16 games. They have rebounded from a season-worst six games under .500 to secure an impressive road series win against the Los Angeles Dodgers. With consistent starting pitching and contributions from throughout the lineup, the D-Backs are now preparing to face the Miami Marlins. Despite the Marlins’ struggles this season, this is a series Arizona needs to at least win, if not sweep.
Although the Marlins have a 17-34 record and are out of postseason contention, they have won seven of their last 10 games, including series victories over the Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, and Milwaukee Brewers. The Diamondbacks must avoid underestimating them to prevent a third consecutive series loss to Miami.
Pitching Probables
Friday, May 24, 6:40 PM:
LHP Braxton Garrett (0-0, 10.24 ERA) vs. RHP Zac Gallen (5-3, 3.02 ERA)
Braxton Garrett has had a tough 2024 season with injuries, making just two starts and allowing 12 runs (11 earned) in 9 2/3 innings. Despite these struggles, he has a solid track record with a 3.66 ERA in 30 starts last year. Garrett’s diverse pitch arsenal includes a fastball, sinker, cutter, slider, and changeup.
Zac Gallen, after a slow start to the season, has regained his form, showing his vintage self in recent outings. Gallen is especially motivated to face the Marlins, the team he debuted with before being traded to Arizona in 2019.
Saturday, May 25, 7:10 PM:
RHP Sixto Sánchez (0-2, 6.41 ERA) vs. LHP Jordan Montgomery (2-2, 4.98 ERA)
Sixto Sánchez, once an elite prospect, has struggled this season in seven relief appearances and five starts. He has an opportunity to prove himself with the Marlins’ rotation depleted by injuries. Sánchez features a mid-90s fastball, sinker, cutter, and changeup.
Jordan Montgomery has been more effective than his numbers suggest, giving the Diamondbacks a chance to win in five of his six starts. His last outing against Detroit was solid, despite losing the win and quality start due to a late run.
Sunday, May 26, 1:10 PM:
LHP Ryan Weathers (2-4, 3.49 ERA) vs. TBA
Ryan Weathers has found success with the Marlins, posting a 3.49 ERA in 10 starts after being traded from the San Diego Padres. Weathers’ pitch mix includes a four-seamer, sinker, sweeper, and changeup.
The Diamondbacks have not announced their starter for Sunday but may turn to left-hander Blake Walston for either a start or bulk relief work.
Key Batters
Diamondbacks
- Randal Grichuk: Expected to start against two left-handers, hitting .327 against them this season and proving valuable as a fourth outfielder and occasional DH.
- Kevin Newman: Batting .389 with seven extra-base hits and four walks since May 4, solidifying the shortstop position.
- Ketel Marte: Enters the series with a 21-game hitting streak, approaching Tony Womack’s 24-game streak from May 2000.
Marlins
- Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Batting .254 with seven home runs and a 114 OPS+, though he is 0-for-9 with three strikeouts against Gallen.
- Bryan De La Cruz: Having a solid season with a .259 average and nine home runs.
- Otto Lopez: Hitting .283 with three home runs since taking over second base following Luis Arraez’s trade.
Bullpens
Diamondbacks
Arizona’s bullpen has performed well recently, especially with Paul Sewald back as the closer. Aside from a rough series against Detroit, relievers Sewald, Thompson, and Mantiply have combined for eight shutdowns versus one meltdown. Kevin Ginkel has struggled but showed signs of returning to form in his last outing.
Marlins
Miami’s bullpen has been a strong point, with Tanner Scott and Declan Cronin both sporting sub-2.00 ERAs. However, Scott’s control issues are a concern, having walked 18 batters in 21 innings. Andrew Nardi and Anthony Bender have struggled with high ERAs, though FIP suggests they’ve been unlucky.
The Diamondbacks must maintain their focus and not underestimate the Marlins to continue their winning momentum.
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