Diamondbacks vs Dodgers Preview 5/1/2015

The Arizona Diamondbacks begin a pivotal 3-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night. The Dodgers currently hold a 3-game lead over the Diamondbacks in the National League West and a good showing for Arizona could put them right in the race.

Probable Starters

Rubby De La Rosa (2-1, 4.68 ERA, 25 K) vs Carlos Frias (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 K)

De La Rosa is coming off his best start of the season on April 25th against Pittsburgh. The Dominican struck out 8 batters in 7 innings while allowing 1 run and 4 hits. Unfortunately for De La Rosa, that effort would only allow him a no-decision due to low run support. De La Rosa started his career with Los Angeles, playing in the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Frias is currently playing the spot start role, due to a season-ending injury to Brandon McCarthy. This will the first start of 2015 for Frias as he’s only pitched 2 1/3 innings this season. In 2014, Frias went 1-1 with a 6.12 ERA, with most of his work coming out of the bullpen.

Here are the starting lineups.

#Dbacks baseball in May kicks off with this lineup: pic.twitter.com/v7j4ll2oGq
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) May 1, 2015

Tonight's #Dodgers lineup vs. the D-backs:
Pederson CF
Rollins SS
Kendrick 2B
Gonzalez 1B
Turner 3B
Ethier RF
Grandal C
Guerrero LF
Frias P
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 1, 2015

With right-hander opposing the D’Backs, left-handed hitter David Peralta stays in the lineup after an impressive Colorado series. If Peralta is able to maintain a consistent bat, the platoon at center between Ender Inciarte and A.J. Pollock will continue. Tonight, the latter will take the start.