Diamondbacks Look to Get Back into the Win Column Saturday Night

D-backs looking to make up for defensive miscues and bullpen issues following last night's collapse and get a win.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt (32) pitches against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field in / Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY

The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to get back to their winning ways Saturday night against the powerhouse Atlanta Braves. After looking like they would win yesterday only to lose in yet another heartbreaking fashion due to bad defense and relief pitching, the team is hoping to right the course today. The game is at Truist Park and starts at 4:20 PM MST.

The D-backs are getting back a player from injury in Randal Grichuk who will make his team debut today. Meanwhile, they still wait for the word on Geraldo Perdomo's MRI results on his injured right knee. The Braves are awaiting word for Spencer Strider's MRI results on his right elbow.

Arizona has to focus on its defense, especially late in games, late-game offense, and the bullpen's pitching performance if they hope to win today or on this road trip. The D-backs had numerous chances last night to salt the game away, especially against ace Spencer Strider and were unable to.

The same is true for Blaze Alexander's defensive error at shortstop in the 9th inning and the lack of communication between Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Alexander on a tough pop-fly later that inning. Then, while the team needs Paul Sewald back, Kevin Ginkel and Miguel Castro have to perform up to the high standards set upon them.

Starting Pitching

Today, the D-backs will look to fix those issues, especially on the offensive side, against another Braves ace in Max Fried. The left-hander has long been a strong starting pitcher and will make his second start of the year. Opposing him will be young right-hander Brandon Pfaadt who will also be making his second start on the young season.

Max Fried didn't escape the first inning in his start this season, against the Phillies. He lasted just 0.2 innings due to walking three batters, giving up two hits, three runs, and striking out one. He was pulled because of a high pitch-count in which it climbed all the way to 43 pitches. He'll be looking for a longer outing today.

He has faced the Diamondbacks three times before his career. Across those three games and 18 innings, Fried has a 2.50 ERA and is 1-0. He has given up 20 hits, five runs, four walks, and struck out 15. Fried throws six different pitches but mainly relies on three of them. His three main pitches are the slider (34.9%), curveball (27.9%), and four-seamer (20.9%). He mixes in a sinker, changeup, and sweeper occasionally.

Meanwhile, Pfaadt is coming off a standout outing against the Colorado Rockies last Sunday. He pitched five strong innings and gave up just one run, five hits, and struck out six. He successfully navigated the lineup multiple times and utilized his sweeper and fastball in an excellent fashion. This will be the first time the Braves have ever faced Pfaadt, which could bode well for success. Although, so far this season, the Braves have done far better against right-handed pitching than against left-handed pitching.

Lineups

The D-backs and Braves lineups / Jake Oliver

The D-backs have a new lineup today with the focus being to hit against left-handed pitching. Blaze Alexander is in at shortstop, replacing Jace Peterson from yesterday, and filling in for Geraldo Perdomo who still is recovering from his knee injury. Jake McCarthy is in RF while the team awaits Alek Thomas' return from the Injured List. Suárez has a home run in his career against Fried while Walker is 3-8 with an .819 OPS.

Randal Grichuk is making his team debut at DH, replacing Joc Pederson. Expect to see Grichuk in the lineup each of the next two days as the team faces a left-handed pitcher on the mound. Safely expect to see Grichuk play almost every game against left-handed pitching so long as he is healthy. That's what he was brought in to do. His career OPS against left-handers is .822 with a slug of .507. He's a left-handed pitching masher and the D-backs are hoping that continues today. Grichuk is looking to make a big impact in his season and team debut.

Meanwhile, the Braves have their normal lineup against a right-handed pitcher today. The only difference is that Travis D'Arnaud is the catcher, replacing Sean Murphy who is on the Injured List with a strained oblique. Arizona will look to hold Acuña and Riley to a combined one-hit once again like last night.

Once again, this game will likely come down to whoever scores last, especially in the final innings. Every time these two teams have played since the start of the 2023 season has been a dogfight with multiple lead changes or games coming down to the final at-bat. With both being top teams in the National League, and with how close yesterday's game was, expect another close one tonight in which the D-backs have to play up to their ability to win. They can't afford to beat themselves like last night.

One last note to watch, Manager Torey Lovullo continues to sit on win no. 499. If they win tonight, he'll reach an impressive career milestone at 500.