With their series to be completed in Denver against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, Aug. 17, the Diamondbacks return home for six games against the two major league teams from Ohio, the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds.
First, there is the matter of who will start on Aug. 17 in Denver. With RHP Anthony DeSclafani on the injured list, the Diamondbacks were considering their options to take his rotation spot as of Aug. 13.
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Then come the Guardians to Chase Field, from Aug. 18-20. Cleveland is right in the thick of the race for an American League wild-card spot and is in a pack of teams within reach of the third and last berth, if not higher.
The Guardians, who have traditionally finished spring training with exhibitions at Chase Field in late March in recent years, have a team led by All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez and outfielder Steven Kwan. Stephen Vogt, formerly with the Diamondbacks as a player, manages the Guardians.
Former Diamondbacks LHP Slade Cecconi is part of Cleveland’s solid starting rotation, and closer Emmanuel Clase has been one of Major League Baseball’s most dominant save specialists for the past few seasons.
Back in early June, the Diamondbacks were swept in three games by the Reds, who are also fighting for a wild-card spot in the National League. Cincinnati has good pitching, plus the dynamic Elly De La Cruz and role players who are making significant contributions.
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The Reds series, Aug. 22-24, is Hispanic Heritage Weekend at Chase Field, with a postgame concert on Friday, Aug. 22, and a replica jersey giveaway the following day.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Diamondbacks host Cleveland Guardians, Cincinnati Reds