:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65291692/1151906812.jpg.0.jpg)
Diamondbacks News
Merrill Kelly turned in a stellar outing, throwing seven innings of two-hit shutout baseball. Arizona’s offense put up a pair of runs in the second before going quiet until the eighth. Finally into San Diego’s bullpen, the Diamondbacks pushed seven runs across the plate in the eighth inning to put the game to bed.
Merrill Kelly has had an up and down season. On Friday night in San Diego, the right-hander poached from the KBO did his best to end the season on a strong note. Making what was likely his penultimate start of the season, Kelly delivered seven shutout innings against the division rival Padres.
Merrill Kelly was in total control all night long. He struck out nine, and walked three while allowing only two hits, both of them isolated singles.
Diamondbacks Shut Down Marte for Season
With the season coming to a close and the Diamondbacks no longer realistically chasing a wild card, the Diamondbacks have chosen to shut Ketel Marte down for the rest of the season to address concerns regarding a stress reaction in his back. The team expects the caution and rest to have Marte ready and 100% healthy for spring training.
Diamondbacks Asking Questions and Seeking Solutions Regarding Marte
Though Ketel Marte walked back some of his comments regarding the possible impact Chase Field’s new artificial turf played on his season ending prematurely due to a stress reaction in his back, he was not the first Arizona player to openly criticize the playing surface. With Marte shaping up to be the future face of the franchise and potential perennial all-star, the team needs to take the concerns seriously.
Team President, Derrick Hall defended the installation of artificial turf at Chase Field and pointed out the numerous ways it has improved the fan experience. He also noted that he has not received many complaints about the turf, though he admits this could have as much to do with players simply not being complainers as it has to do with the turn meeting expectations.
Luke Weaver Returns to the Mound
The last time Luke Weaver pitched in a Major League game was May 26th. Since then, he has been on the IL with sprains to his flexor pronator and UCL. Having managed to avoid Tommy John surgery, Weaver is hoping to provide at least one good outing to close out his season, giving him something to build off of in spring. He will be starting in place of Zac Gallen.
Around Baseball
With eight games remaining in the season, the Atlanta Braves have clinched their division and now await the winner of the NL Central for a NLDS showdown.
Polar Bear Becomes Second Rookie with 50 HR Season
Pete Alonso continued his epic rookie season by hitting his 50th home run of 2019. The swat came in the eighth inning off of Reds reliever, Sal Romano.
Every Team’s Best Rookie of 2019
Unsurprisingly, Christian Walker takes the honor for Arizona.