Series Preview the last one: Diamondbacks vs. Rockies

The Diamondbacks season will end this weekend. There isn’t anything they can do about it. Mathematically, it was decided weeks ago, logically, months. The only thing honestly of any interest in this series is if they can hold on to the #1 draft position, which, to me, is more depressing than anything. As much as I would like to get Elijah Green, it’s hard for me to appreciate the necessary losses in the moment. Your mileage may vary.

The Rockies are similarly playing out the remainder of the season. Much like the Diamondbacks, their season was ended early thanks in part to injuries, bad luck, and having the play in the same division as two 100+ win teams.

The final series has no significance outside of its finality. But it’s still baseball, and that’s something we won’t have in Chase Field for a while. It might even been longer than normal with the impending labor negotiations that seem to be going nowhere. Enjoy this series. Even bad baseball is better than no baseball.

Game 1: Humberto Castellanos vs. Jon Grey

Castellanos will make his sixth start of the season. He has been consistent throughout most of those starts. Expect him to go about five innings, giving up three runs so, which puts him about league average with a 99 ERA+. This start will give him a chance to end the season on a good note heading into next season where he’ll be hoping for a shot at a starting position out of spring training.

Jon Grey had something of a bounce back season this year. 2020 was rough on him, giving him his worst season of his career by ERA+. However, this will be his 29th start of his season, and he is going into it with a 112 ERA+, so better than average. He has pitched against the Diamondbacks five times already this season, and overall has done well. However, his last time out the Diamondbacks got to him for five runs.

Game 2: Zac Gallen vs. Antonio Senzatela

Zac Gallen’s 2021 has not been great. There have been highs and lows, and not a lot in between. This will only be his third time facing the Rockies this year. His most recent was a seven inning shut out in Coors Field, which makes it all the more impressive. He’ll be looking to replicate that going into the off season.

Antonio Senzatela has been having the one of the best season of his career. He was especially good in the shortened COVID season, but has followed it up with a nearly as good season this year. He and the Diamondbacks have faced off four times, with mixed results. He has not had a bad game yet though, so this will be a tough game for the Diamondbacks.

Game 3: TBD vs TBD

I feel like the same pitcher pitching for both teams is against the rules, but hey, it’s the last game of the season. Who cares?

Conclusion

I think the Diamondbacks lose two out of three. They get the top draft pick. They tie the record for losses in a Diamondback season. And we all look forward to the Arizona Fall League in the next couple weeks.