Pfaadt Takes Mound as Diamondbacks Begin Series vs Cardinals

The D-backs will start their homestand against the St. Louis Cardinals.

The 6-7 Diamondbacks take on the 6-7 St. Louis Cardinals tonight at Chase Field. Fresh off a tough road trip, the D-backs are looking to extend their winning streak, as they took the final two games in a row from the Colorado Rockies to end their road trip. First pitch is at 6:40 PM.

Young right-hander Brandon Pfaadt will take the mound for Arizona. Despite having an ERA north of 5.00 due to an ugly box score against the Atlanta Braves, Pfaadt has looked very solid to start the year. He has struck out 13 in 10 2/3 innings, and has been able to throw an increasingly consistent number of strikes.

Pfaadt will face a fairly balanced lineup from the Cardinals, as St. Louis will send a split of lefty and righty hitters to the plate to face the young right-hander.

Veteran left-hander Steven Matz will get the start for St. Louis. Matz has got off to an excellent start in his first two outings, allowing just two runs in 10 1/3 innings. The D-backs have hit well against left-handers this season, however.

undefined

undefined

The D-backs will have a visit from old friend and former Arizona legend Paul Goldschmidt. Goldy has not been his usual raking self to start 2024, as he's slashed .182/.294/.250 in his limited early season at-bats. Stud outfielder Lars Nootbaar will make his 2024 regular season debut, after spending the first portion of the season on the IL.

There's little to be shocked at in Arizona's lineup. Facing a left-handed starter in Matz, Corbin Carroll will be the only lefty hitter to get the start for the D-backs. Randal Grichuk will get the start in right field. Although only hitting .176 so far in five games, Grichuk has a home run, three RBI and a walk, and has only struck out twice.

With Kevin Newman at shortstop, and Ketel Marte back at his regular second base slot, young infielder Blaze Alexander will be relegated back to DH duties. Alexander has proven he can hit major league pitching, however, the D-backs will protect him from the field, as he's has committed a handful of costly errors in the infield thus far.