Arizona Diamondbacks Game Preview, #86: ZG replaces ZG

Christian Friedrich LHP, 4-3, 3.96

Zack Godley RHP, 1-0, 4.35

Travis Jankowski - CF	Jean Segura - 2B
Wil Myers - 1B	Michael Bourn - CF
Matt Kemp - RF	Paul Goldschmidt - 1B
Yangervis Solarte - 3B	Rickie Weeks - LF
Alex Dickerson - LF	Welington Castillo - C
Christian Bethancourt - C	Yasmany Tomas - RF
Ryan Schimpf - 2B	Brandon Drury - 3B
Alexei Ramirez - SS	Nick Ahmed - SS
Christian Friedrich - LHP	Zack Godley - RHP

It's going to be Godley's second start of the season. He made his first on June 11 against the Marlins, getting the W as he threw six innings of two-run ball. He stuck around in the bullpen for a bit, but was sent down to Reno in the last week of July. He has pretty much been down for the minimum 10 days to be eligible to be recalled. In order to make room for him, the team put Daniel Hudson on the bereavement list. So he'll be out of action at least until the next series, against the Giants in San Francisco over the weekend.

Godley actually started the year off with Double-A Mobile, which is where he was last season, when he was surprisingly called up by the Diamondbacks in late July. Over his first month in the major-leagues, he was 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA, winning all three starts plus a game in relief. It's a pattern of usage which kinda makes me wonder if the team is trying to groom him as a replacement for Josh Collmenter, someone capably both of pitching out of the bullpen and making an occasional spot start. There might be a bit more involved here, with Greinke having gone on the disabled list. Godley could also start on Sunday, although the team may opt to skip his start, with the off-day Thursday.

Still, lose this game, and the D-backs will be in sole possession of last place in the division again. Not exactly a comforting thought, but the way the pitching has been of late, is certainly grounds for concern. Be nice if Godley could right the ship: the Diamondbacks are 6-1 when he starts for them, so that is perhaps cause for hope. Be nice if Jake Lamb gets to showcase his talents a bit too! #VoteLamb.#LambEarly #LambOften.