:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46343094/usa-today-8568239.0.jpg)
 |
Chase Anderson
|
 |
Chad Billingsley
|
| Ender Inciarte - RF | Ben Revere - LF |
| A.J. Pollock - CF | Freddy Galvis - SS |
| Paul Goldschmidt - 1B | Grady Sizemore - RF |
| David Peralta - LF | Ryan Howard - 1B |
| Chris Owings - 2B | Maikel Franco - 3B |
| Cliff Pennington - 3B | Chase Utley - 2B |
| Tuffy Gosewisch - C | Odubel Herrera - CF |
| Nick Ahmed - SS | Carlos Ruiz - C |
| Chase Anderson - RHP | Chad Billingsley - RHP |
If Anderson is going to break his winless streak, this is as good a chance as any, playing one of the weakest teams in the league, and going up against a pitcher whose two starts this season have been, if nothing else consistent. In fact, that's about all they have been, Billingsley giving up five earned runs over five innings on eight hits and a walk, both against the Mets in Philadelphia, and against the Braves in Atlanta. That should be enough, as the D-backs are 13-2 when scoring five or more runs [and 15-0 in providing free tacos the following day, between 4-6pm, with the purchase of a large drink, at participating locations].
Here's the big news from today's pre-game conference:
Chip Hale says they'll probably use Addison Reed earlier in games as he works through mechanical changes.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) May 15, 2015
But it's not all good news...
Hale said Ziegler could be an option for the ninth inning but plans to keep his options open in case Ziegler is needed earlier.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) May 15, 2015
And I'm not sure if this is some kind of threat:
Hale envisions Addison Reed returning to closer's role once he gets himself back on track.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) May 15, 2015
We are also a little short today, with both Yasmany Tomas and Aaron Hill out of the line-up with what is politely being called "stomach issues." Must be one too many Phillie cheesesteaks, I fear. Hopefully, it isn't a long-lasting problem: just when Hill was beginning to produce consistently, too!
Anyway, got to cut this short too: I did remember it was an early game, but just haven't had a chance to write anything up! No local television for this one either, so we'll be gathered around the radiophonic listening device or something.