Red Sox and Diamondbacks Game Preview May 27th

The Arizona Diamondbacks (29-22) host the Boston Red Sox (27-24) in the second game of a three game series at Chase Field. First Pitch is 4:15 P.M. The Red Sox took the opener last night 7-2, knocking Brandon Pfaadt out of the game early.

Pitching Matchup

Two injured starters make their return tonight. Zach Davies went on the injured list seven weeks ago with a strained left oblique. He had made just two starts, both no decisions, throwing 9.1 innings and giving up six runs for a 5.79 ERA. He recently completed a rehab assignment in Double-A Amarillo in which he looked sharp according to manager Torey Lovullo.

Garret Whitlock will make his 4th start of the year, but hasn't pitched since April 22nd due to elbow neuritis. The big right-hander (6'5", 245) turns 27 next month and is in his 3rd season in the majors. He has a 6.19 ERA in three starts, 16 innings. The previous two seasons he posted a composite 2.73 ERA in 151 innings, working mostly in relief or as a swing man.

Whitlock throws a mid 90's sinker, along with a sweeper and a changeup. He doesn't walk many batters, carrying a 1.9 BB/9 ratio. Last year his changeup was his most effective out pitch, but this year he was hit hard on that pitch before going on the IL.

Lineup

Torey Lovullo said that Pavin Smith is playing first today to "get his blood pumping" and give him some reps at first base. This is the 3rd game this season Smith has led off. He failed to reach base in his first at bat the prior two times, and is 2-10 with a homer batting in the leading spot of the order this year. Smith had success batting leadoff in his previous two seasons however going 33-119, .277 with 11 walks , scoring 21 runs in 28 games. Gabriel Moreno is back in the starting lineup at catcher after having root canal yesterday.

Red Sox leadoff hitter Raimel Tapia is a career .333/.365/.433 hitter in Chase Field over 128 plate appearance. He's a .273 career hitter everywhere else.

Roster Moves

As covered in detail earlier by Michael McDermott, the D-backs made a series of roster moves, activating Davies for this start, and recalling RHP Drey Jameson from Triple-A Reno. They optioned out last night's starter Brandon Pfaadt and reliever Luis Frias. Jameson will pitch out of the bullpen for now.