Diamondbacks series preview: Houston has a problem

By Christopher Gaine

May 30, 2016

May 20, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Jake Lamb (22) and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) are congratulated by right fielder Brandon Drury (27) after scoring during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

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Pitching matchups:

Monday: Edwin Escobar (First career start) vs. Collin McHugh (4-4, 5.13 ERA)

Tuesday: Patrick Corbin (2-4, 4.21 ERA) vs. Lance McCullers (1-1, 4.60 ERA)

Wednesday: Robbie Ray (2-4, 4.67 ERA) vs. TBA

Thursday: Zack Greinke (6-3, 4.71 ERA) vs. TBA

The Astros haven’t announced who’s pitching the last two games, but these matchups are looking pretty even as of now. Escobar will be making his Diamondbacks debut today– he has just two career MLB innings pitched to his name; both came with the Red Sox in 2014. He was once a top prospect with the BoSox, where Baseball America named him the 56th-best prospect in baseball ahead of 2014. He is 2-1 with a 4.68 ERA in Triple-A this year, and will face Collin McHugh in his season debut, who has struggled after winning 19 games last year.

McCullers didn’t make his season debut until May 13 due to shoulder soreness. After allowing five runs in 4.2 innings in his debut, he has allowed just three in 11 innings. He faces a favorable matchup against an inconsistent Patrick Corbin.