Diamondbacks vs. Brewers Game Preview April 10th

The Diamondbacks host the Brewers in the first game of a three game series tonight at Chase Field. Game time is 6:40 P.M. MST

PITCHING MATCHUP

Zac Gallen, (0-1, 7.59 ERA, 10.2 IP) is making his third start of the year. He had a no-decision in his last start against the Padres, leaving the game after six innings trailing 5-4. His offense picked him up in that game, coming back to win 8-6.

The Diamondbacks are 6-4 in this young season despite not getting good starts from Gallen and Merrill Kelly the first two times around the rotation. Speaking of both Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, manager Torey Lovullo said "I don't think we've seen anything close to them being at their best. But they will make it happen and when they do I think we're going to go to another level."

Gallen's velocity has been down slightly from last year as he's seemed to have some difficulty adjusting to the pace and physical demands of the pitch timer. Perhaps more importantly for Gallen is that some of his best traits, including smart pitch selection and location decisions are being tested by having to think faster. Tonight's game will be a good test against a hot team to measure how well he's making the adjustment.

Wade Miley, (1-0, 0.00 ERA) has made one start so far for the 7-2 Brewers. Signed to a one year deal for $4.5 million, this is Miley's second stint with the Brewers, having previously made 16 starts for them in 2018.

The former Diamondback is a much different pitcher from when he finished second in the 2012 Rookie of the Year voting for Arizona. He relied heavily on a low 90's sinker early in his career, but since 2018 has gone primarily to a cutter, four seam, and change up arsenal. He doesn't throw hard, topping out at 89-90 and averaging well under that. But he hits his spots, and induces soft contract. Since 2018 he is 34-20 with a 3.46 ERA, 131 ERA+. He's made just 90 starts in that span however, with just two mostly healthy seasons.

Always a quick worker to begin with that excelled in holding runners, the new rules should be much less of an adjustment for Miley than most pitchers. It's notable that base stealers have just 47% success rate (34-for-72) against him in his career.

Speaking of his ability to hold runners on and control the running game, Lovullo said jokingly with a smile "I was with Wade in Boston. I feel like I know his game and the strategy.....so I passed it along ....... so Wade you better be careful". He went on to say "We know that he does a good job and pays attention to it, and we spend a lot of time figuring that out, who does and who doesn't. You can clearly see the ones that don't we exploit right away."

LINEUPS

Corbin Carroll gets the night off for the first time this season, having played in all 10 previous games. Josh Rojas is in the second spot in the order despite a lefty being on the mound as Lovullo liked the matchup. Evan Longoria has faced Miley 44 times in hid career, but most of that came prior to 2018.

Torey Lovullo Notes:

Drey Jameson will start on Wednesday against Milwaukee and Madison Bumgarner will be pushed back to Friday in Miami to give him some extra rest between starts.

Speaking of the atmosphere and spirits in the clubhouse among the players Lovullo said "Every day I walk in here it's like a birthday party". He talked about the players paying chess in the clubhouse, always a lot of laughter, playing competitive games in the batting cage, etc.

Kyle Lewis is suffering from an unspecified illness. Lovullo would not go into detail, but indicated that Lewis will require a rehab stint to build strength back up once he is over the illness.

Joe Mantiply will go on a rehab assignment and pitch in Double-A Amarillo tomorrow.