Diamondbacks series preview: Avoid a sting from the Rays

By Matthew Rzodkiewicz

Jun 6, 2016

May 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (44) celebrates with teammates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Houston Astros during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

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Players to Watch:

For Tampa Bay, you’ll want to keep an eye on Chris Archer. The phenom is struggling immensely, owning a 4.75 ERA after an All-Star 2015 season with a 3.23 ERA. Evan Longoria, who many thought may have lost his touch, is on a power surge of late. The veteran third baseman hit five homers in the past week and was promptly awarded AL Player of the Week honors.

As for Arizona, let’s see if Jake Lamb and Paul Goldschmidt can keep up their hot streaks. Zack Greinke and Archie Bradley have turned around recently, as well. Greinke has worked to a 3.18 ERA and 0.97 WHIP in his last five starts, while Bradley has owned a 3.72 ERA since most recently being recalled from Triple-A Reno.