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Time to make it even. #RattleOn pic.twitter.com/mRNF1bZ4ck
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 27, 2020
Going for the Opening Series win this afternoon.#FriarFaithful pic.twitter.com/4Re3sfLJsk
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 27, 2020
If it seemed that, for most of this series, the D-backs’ hitters have been hacking at anything... You’re right. They have swung at 38.2% of pitches outside the zone, the second-highest figure in the majors. This stands in sharp contrast to the approach taken by the Padres: they have swung at those pitches only 22.4%, the second-lowest figure. That would be why they have an MLB leading walk-rate of 20%, having accepted 23 bases on balls, compared to Arizona’s 9. In fact, the Diamondbacks have generally been very aggressive. Arizona’s overall swing percentage is 51.9%, which is the highest such figure in the majors. It hasn’t translated into success, with a team OPS of just .581.
Yet, they still enter the finale of this wraparound, four-game series, with a chance at a sweep. Our starter today, Luke Weaver, has historically done well against the Padres, with a 2.27 ERA over six starts versus San Diego. His opposite number, Joey Lucchesi, can’t say the same thing about Arizona. He has made seven starts facing the D-backs, and is 1-5 with a 5.19 ERA. Ketel Marte (6-for-14 with a home-run) and Nick Ahmed (6-for-15 with two home-runs) have enjoyed particularly good numbers against him. This is probably the series match-up which most favors Arizona. It may help Lucchesi is not a flamethrower like the first three San Diego starters, with a fastball averaging only 90.2 mph last year.
Pre-game audio from Torey Lovullo
- Marlins: Torey expressed his concern over the situation. “This Virus is very real and we have to respect what it can do”. He continues to reiterate and remind players and coaches what they need to do to stay healthy. Their most recent test results that came in last night had zero positives. But he acknowledged that there is still anxiety over the things they can’t control, whether it be flying, new hotels, or even the situation on other teams.
- David Peralta: was moved down the lineup vs. a lefty today and Vargas moved to 2nd. He and David communicated and he’s been “fantastic about it” and understands it’s what’s best for the team.
- Luke Weaver: Is stretched out and should be able to go 90-95 pitches. No limitations but will monitor his “gas tank”