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The forecast in Washington does not look too good for an on-time start to the opening game against the Nationals. However, the last update, a little after 3 pm Arizona time from Steve Gilbert, did have the tarp coming off the field, so there is hope that any delay should not be too bad. The forecast for the evening doesn’t seem too bad, though that’s off a very generic Google search. I will happily defer to those on the ground or with more experience of interpreting Doppler radar!
After a very good performance in Philadelphia, the D-backs look to follow up with what should be a slightly easier task against the Nationals, who still sit five games below .500. However, they have been considerably better since their season reached its low point, being swept in four games by the Mets which dropped their record to 19-31. They have played six series after that, and haven’t been beaten in any of them, going 12-5. though they split both of the last two, four games in San Diego and, most recently, two in Chicago agaisnt the White Sox. The D-backs do have the front of their rotation going, so I’m hopeful we will win at least two, and if we can take the series, that’ll be an excellent 8-2 road-trip.
Unfortunately, we won’t get to face former Diamondback Patrick Corbin, who signed the winter’s biggest free-agent deal for a pitcher, worth $140 million over six years. He pitched on Thursday, taking the loss in Chicago. After coming out with all guns blazing, he hasn’t been as good of late, with a 6.75 ERA over his last five starts. We will, however, have to face both Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer - the latter goes up against Robbie Ray tomorrow, which should be fun. This evening, it’s Zack Greinke against sophomore starter Erick Fedde, and if the D-backs are to take this series, winning this one is almost essential.