D-backs Aim For Statement Win Against Brewers Behind Kelly

After an impressive 3-0 win against the Milwaukee Brewers last night, the Diamondbacks are one win away from sending a statement to the rest of the baseball world. Facing the Dodgers twice, the Padres, and the Brewers, Arizona has won seven of their first 11 games in the 2023 season.

How to Follow Along

TV: Bally Sports Arizona (ARI), Bally Sports Wisconsin (MIL), MLB Network

Radio: 98.7 FM Arizona Sports Station (KMVP), 105.1 FM KHOV Univision (Spanish); WTMJ AM620 Brewers Radio Network

Pitching Matchup

Merrill Kelly (0-1, 3.86 ERA)

Merrill Kelly has had trouble consistently throwing strikes in his first two starts, a byproduct of his short start in the World Baseball Classic finale and facing a disciplined Dodgers lineup. In his last start, Kelly surrendered four runs (all earned) in 5.2 innings in a 5-2 loss to the Dodgers. He has pitched well against the Brewers in his career, going 2-1 with a 3.13 ERA and a 34/8 strikeout to walk ratio in six career starts against Milwaukee. Kelly mixes five pitches almost equally, opting for a more fastball-dominant approach vs. right-handed hitters and more offspeed against left-handed hitters.

Corbin Burnes (0-1, 9.64 ERA)

Burnes has been one of the best pitchers in baseball the past two seasons, but has gotten off to a slow start in 2023. The 2021 National League Cy Young winner has allowed four and six runs in his two starts to the season, but given his track record could easily fall back into place. Burnes attacks hitters with his cutter, especially against left-handed hitters where he can pepper the backdoor for called strikes or lead them out of the zone coming in.

Lineups

No player in the D-backs lineup has more than seven at-bats against Corbin Burnes. Evan Longoria is the only player on the roster who has hit a home run off the Brewers ace.

Christian Walker and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. are not in the lineup, with Pavin Smith and Evan Longoria starting at 1B and DH against the right-hander. It is Walker's first game off this season.

Brewers shortstop Willy Adames is hitting .417 (5-for-12) with a home run against Kelly.

Updates

Joe Mantiply's rehab appearance with Amarillo has been delayed by a day due to travel issues caused by cancelled flights. He is going to play catch tonight then throw in tomorrow's game.

RHP José Ruiz has been activated, with RHP Scott McGough placed on the paternity list as the corresponding move. Ruiz was acquired by Arizona on Sunday.

The Brewers will place RHP Brandon Woodruff on the 15-day injured list. Woodruff was scheduled to face Arizona in the series finale.