Series Preview #43: Diamondbacks @ Padres

I am doing several previews that would have otherwise been written by Jack Sommers.

The last time the Padres played the Diamondbacks before the trade deadline, they got swept at Petco Park. The Diamondback's won the game. Since then, the team has gone 24-17. Padres have had a similar schedule as the D-Backs and have gone 22-19. They are 19 games behind the division leaders. Arizona Diamondbers are 3 games ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers and 2 games in front of Phillies.

The Padres are struggling with their bats. Their OPS+ is middle of the pack, but their SLG% is bad. They are one of league leaders in walks, which is saving their OBP.

Padres acquired Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals. Josh Hader from Brewers has been bad since coming to San Diego. Brandon Drury from Reds has struggled. Robert Suarez from Venezuela has performed well since his return. Eric Hosmer was traded away. Fernando Tatis Jr. is out for the season and the beginning of the next one. Matt Beaty, Reiss Knehr and Drew Pomeranz were called up from Triple A.

Juan Soto has been playing well for the Padres. Josh Bell has gone cold since coming over from Washington. Brandon Drury has struggled since joining the Reds. Robert Suarez has performed well since his return. Eric Hosmer was traded. Fernando Tatis Jr. is out for season and the beginning of the next one.

The difference in this series will be the pitching performance. Juan Soto and Manny Machado are a league above all other hitters in the series. The team's bullpen will probably save the team in one of the three games.

The Diamondbacks are playing the Padres in a three-game series starting on Monday. Ryne Nelson and Blake Snell are the pitchers who will start the game. The last time the D-Backs and Snells faced each other was in August 2021. The team is sending positive vibes to the players. They are confident they can win the first game of the series. It will depend on how well Nelson is able to handle the hitters.

Merrill Kelly and Joe Musgrove are going to pitch in the game on Tuesday at 6:40 pm. Kelly is able to limit the hard contact better than Musgrave. Musrave has had troubles recently, giving up 21 runs in 41 innings in 7 games.

Game #3 is Tommy Henry vs Yu Darvish on Wednesday, September 07 at 5:40 PM. Henry was beaten by Philadelphia in his last game. Darrish won the last match against the Dodgers. He has already faced Arizona three times this season, achieving 2 wins and a non-decision.