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Line-up
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Last night’s game was a classic of “You can’t predict baseball.” The Dodgers went out at the trade deadline and vacuumed up players to strengthen their team, while the biggest arrival in the D-backs clubhouse yesterday was COVID-19. But Arizona managed to hold on, turning the Dodgers away on several occasions, to win in extras. Perhaps most remarkably, it was their second consecutive one-run win. This is impressive, considering that in their first 102 games, they managed just three in total. It’s the first time this season they’ve had back-to-back one-run victories. The last such was August 15-17 last year, when they beat the Padres 7-6 and 5-4, then edged the Athletics 4-3, during their season-high six-game winning streak.
I do feel hopeful about tonight’s contest. It’s set to be a bullpen one for the Dodgers, but they used just about everyone there last night, after Tony Gonsolin couldn’t get through two innings. Meanehile, we throw up Merrill Kelly who is 5-0 over his last seven starts, with the team being 6-1 in them. Conversely, anticipated 2021 ace Zac Gallen is now 0-5 over his last nine starts, and yesterday was the first time Arizona had won a Gallen outing since April. Like I said: you can’t predict baseball. But maybe the fresh blood like Ellis and Aguilar, both key to last night’s victory, will continue to give the club energy. I’d take that over the final sixty odd games.
Torey Lovullo notes
Torey was on the field talking to Jordan Lawler today and asked about that: He’s a fantastic kid and a fantastic player. It’s not the first time I’ve had the chance to interact with him. It was a good moment for all of us and good moment and for this organization. I touched base with him on the common things. We’re always here if you’ve got any questions. Never hesitate reaching out. We do things in a very uncommon way here. We care about each other on a deep level
Torey and Jordan had been communicating with each other via text throughout the process.
Ketel Marte Reactivated: After his Reno rehab stint Ketel is activated and available off the bench today. He’s ready, and went through full baseball routines and full intensity games.
Taylor Clarke pitched in a rehab game last night. He threw the ball well
Luke Weaver will pitch in a sim game in the coming days.
Stuart Fairchild and Noe Ramirez are still symptomatic from Covid-19 but better today than yesterday. The other three players that are on the IL due to contact tracing (Pavin Smith, Riley Smith and Joe Mantiply) have still not tested positive, and Torey is hopeful they may be able to shorten the time to return from the maximum contact tracing days of 7