The Arizona Diamondbacks conclude a three-game series in Denver on June 22, against the Colorado Rockies, with right-hander Brandon Pfaadt looking for his ninth win of the season.
Then it’s on to Chicago to play three games with the White Sox before hosting the Miami Marlins. All three opponents held down last place in their respective divisions as of June 20.
Advertisement
Arizona faces Chicago for the only time this season June 23-25. The White Sox had Major League Baseball’s worst record last season, 41-121, beating out the 1962 New York Mets (120 losses) for the worst record in the modern era.
As of June 19, the White Sox were already more than halfway to that win total with 23 wins.
Chicago entered its June 19 doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals on a six-game losing streak, however. The White Sox have had a revolving door with their pitching staff, much like the Diamondbacks, with injuries and ineffectiveness leading to roster moves and call-ups from the minors.
The Diamondbacks are 17-7 all-time against the White Sox, 9-3 in Chicago and have won every series against the Sox since 2014, five in all.
Advertisement
Right-hander Shane Smith, 25, is scheduled to start the series opener against the Diamondbacks. He has been the team’s most productive starter; his 2.85 ERA and 1.22 WHIP led the rotation entering play June 20. Former Dodgers prospect Miguel Vargas has been Chicago’s most productive hitter. He’s the only White Sox player with as many as 10 home runs.
After finishing their three-city road trip June 25 in Chicago, the Diamondbacks have an off day before returning to Chase Field for a long homestand.
Arizona begins the 10-game set with three against the Miami Marlins, a team the Diamondbacks swept in a three-game series in Miami earlier this season. The Marlins series is June 27-29 at Chase Field.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Looking ahead to Diamondbacks’ next two series