Ketel Marte Back in Lineup Against Dodgers

NOTE: Due to J.D. Martinez being a late scratch for the Dodgers, their lineups has been revised

The Diamondbacks (57-56) and Dodgers (65-46) are two teams headed in opposite directions. On June 27th the D-backs were 48-32, 2.5 games ahead of the third place Dodgers. Since then the D-backs have gone 9-24, scoring just 3.5 runs per game. During the same time frame the Dodgers have gone 21-12, and scored a whopping 6.8 runs a game. They've vaulted into first place first place, 4.0 games ahead of the Giants and 9.0 games clear of the third place D-backs.

Tonight's 6:40 P.M. game at Chase Field is the first of two at home against the Dodgers. It's the first time the two teams have faced each other since April. The D-backs hold the head to head series edge 5-3.

Pitching Matchup

Julio Urias LHP, 8-6, 4.59 has not had nearly as much success this year as he had coming into 2023. He suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out for 43 days from May 20th to July 1st. He threw five scoreless innings against the A's in his last outing however and has been very tough on the D-backs throughout his career, going 8-1 with a 1.55 ERA in 12 starts dating back to 2019. In the only matchup with the D-backs this year he went six innings giving up two runs in a win on opening day, March 30th

Brandon Pfaadt RHP, 0-5, 7.11 is still looking for his first major league win. After a horrific start to his major league career, Pfaadt has been much improved of late. In his most recent start he went seven innings against the Giants, giving up just two hits and one run on a solo homer, taking a very tough loss without offensive support. In his last three outings he's pitched 18.2 innings, giving up 14 hits, walking just two batters, and striking out 16. Pfaadt has never faced the Dodgers.

Lineups

Ketel Marte was removed from Sunday's game due to left quad tightness but is back in the lineup today. Torey Lovullo said that he made a quick decision Sunday based on information from the trainer, as he did not want to take any risks with his star second baseman. Lovullo feels like they dodged a bigger issue and Marte is feeling good and ready to go. Marte does not have a good track record against Urias however, having gone just 5-22, .227, with two walks and a hit by pitch in head to head matchups.

The Dodgers come in on fire, batting .312 with a .976 OPS and scoring 59 runs in their last seven games. Freddie Freeman is 15 for 30, .500 with five doubles two homers, and 10 runs scored. Mookie Betts is 11 for 30, .367 and has belted four homers. Rookie James Outman is hot again, going 8 for his last 18, .444 with two doubles and a homer.

Bullpens

Evan Phillips is the Dodgers closer, with 14 saves and two blown, and sports a 2.36 ERA in 42 innings. Brusdar Graterol is the primary right handed set up man and has a sparkling 1.68 ERA in 48 innings of work.

Paul Sewald finally got his first save situation on Sunday but gave up two homers and a walk without retiring a batter in a blown save and loss to the Twins. The ever up beat Sewald was positive before the game both about his own ability to move on from the disappointment of his first outing going like that and also the trend of the team. He pointed out that the team he was on last year, the Mariners were 10 games under .500 at the end of June (it was actually June 19th when they were 29-39) and finished 90-72 to make the post season.

Slade Cecconi will work out of the bullpen these two days. If he's not needed for long relief he could still be considered for a start over the weekend, but with an off day yesterday and on Thursday the team does not need a fifth starter again until next week.

Health Updates:

Gabriel Moreno, (Left shoulder) has begun a hitting progression, caught bullpens, watched live batting practice. They are targeting Thursday for him to play in the ACL, with a target for five innings behind the plate.

Zach Davies (Lower back) threw a simulated game of 58 pitches on Saturday and a bullpen today. He will go to Reno for a Thursday rehab start.

Evan Longoria (Lower back) took dry swings but still no time table for his return.

Drey Jameson (Sprained UCL) will begin his throwing program this Friday. In previous press conferences Lovullo expressed uncertainty about Jameson's ability to return this year.

Tommy Henry (Elbow Sprain) is still in the treatment phase. Lovullo said he is expected to pitch again this year.

Mark Melancon (Shoulder) is playing catch out to 120 feet.