Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly on his struggles against the Padres
Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly on his struggles against the San Diego Padres and the team’s need to go on a good run.
Pfaadt is tied for the NL lead in wins and will make his first career start against the Blue Jays.The Blue Jays recently went 5-4 on a road trip and are 13-12 all-time against Arizona.Diamondbacks at Blue Jays, 4:07 p.m., Ch. 34
Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (8-4, 5.50) vs. Blue Jays RHP Chris Bassitt (7-3, 3.70).
At Rogers Centre: Pfaadt is tied for the National League lead in wins for a pitcher with eight, sharing that with former Diamondback Robbie Ray of the San Francisco Giants. Pfaadt won his last start, June 10, against the Seattle Mariners with two runs on nine hits allowed in five innings. He struck out four and walked one. This will be Pfaadt’s first career start against the Blue Jays. Before his last start, he’d pitched a total of three innings in his previous two starts. … Bassitt has won his last three starts, and has pitched seven innings in each of his last two. The longtime American League pitcher is 4-0 in five career starts against the Diamondbacks, with a 3.07 earned run average.
Coming up
Wednesday, June 18: At Toronto, 4:07 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (2-3, 6.27) vs. Blue Jays LHP Eric Lauer (2-1, 2.37).
Thursday, June 19: At Toronto, 12:07 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (3-2, 4.14) vs. Blue Jays RHP Kevin Gausman (5-5, 4.08).
Friday, June 20: At Colorado, 5:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (4-8, 5,19) vs. Rockies RHP Austin Gomber (0-0, 0.00).
The Blue Jays won seven of eight games between June 4 and June 11, moving into second place in the American League East. They dropped to third place at 38-33 following their game on June 15 at Philadelphia, which ended in a loss and being swept by the Phillies in three games. Toronto’s stars are Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, George Springer and one of baseball’s best hitting catchers, Alejandro Kirk. Infielder Ernie Clement had 13 hits on the team’s recent nine-game road trip to Minnesota, St. Louis and Philadelphia, in which the Blue Jays went 5-4. Toronto is 13-12 all-time against Arizona. Right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman has 17 saves. He’s a former starting pitcher who has become an effective closer.