Diamondbacks protect their treasure in series preview vs Pirates

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 21: Pavin Smith #26 of the Arizona Diamondbacks lines out to center field against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on July 21, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 21: Pavin Smith #26 of the Arizona Diamondbacks lines out to center field against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on July 21, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)

The Diamondbacks seek to protect their treasures vs the thievin Pirates

The Diamondbacks are in Pittsburgh for a three-game series against the Pirates this week. The Dbacks are facing the Pirates for their 2nd series against them this year. Earlier this year, the Pirates came to Chase Field. The Dbacks swept the Pirates out of town rather easily.

Over the past few years, the Pirates have not been much of a challenge to the Sonoran snakes. The history of the two teams match-ups have been heavily Dbacks-Dominated. All-time, the Dbacks are 89-64 with an average 5.0 runs scored and 4.1 runs allowed. That’s not bad at all.
Let’s hope /that the Dbacks can keep it going!

Monday, 08/23/2021: Humberto Mejia v. Wil Crowe

Humberto Mejia is making his first appearance as a Diamondbacks on Monday evening. He was originally acquired from the Miami Marlins in the trade of Starling Marte. He made his MLB debut last year in Miami compiling a stat-line a 0-2 record, 5.40 ERA, 11K’s, 6 walks, and 13 hits in 10 innings.

He’s only 24 and hadn’t played a bunch in the minors before making his debut last year. He’s been mainly with Reno Aces of Triple-AAA this year where he’s 5-4 with a 5.93 ERA and 54 K’s to 19 walks in 54.2 innings. Meanwhile, Wil Crowe is 3-7 this year with 5.23 ERA and 79K’s. He hasn’t faced the Dbacks yet.

Tuesday, 08/24/2021: Madison Bumgarner v. JT Brubaker

Madison Bumgarner will look to continue his excellent run of starts lately when he faces the Pirates on Tuesday. Madison faced the Pirates earlier this year at Chase Field and went 5.0 Innings. He had a no decision despite only giving up 1 ER, no walks, and had 1 strikeout.

Overall on the season, MadBum is 7-7 with a 4.06 ERA and 93 K’s in 106.1 innings. Brubaker hasn’t faced the Dbacks yet in his career. He’s 4-13 with 5.49 ERA and 118 K’s in 116.1 Innings.

Watch out for Bryan Reynolds who is 4/7 against MadBum.

Wednesday, 08/25/2021: Tyler Gilbert v. TBD

The Diamondbacks have the magical Tyler Gilbert looking to make it three quality starts in a row on Wednesday. It will be his third MLB start (6th appearance) ever for the 27 year-old rookie. He’s pitched well in the high-scoring field of the Rockies and Chase Field. Now he takes his talents to the huge ballpark in Pittsburgh.

On the season, he’s 1-1 with a 2.04 ERA, 12 K’s, and 17.2 innings pitched. The Pirates haven’t determined yet who they will be sending out to the mound to face the Dbacks yet. If we get an update before the game on Wednesday, this post will be updated.

SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 8: Jake Hager #16 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against San Diego Padres at Petco Park on August 8, 2021 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 8: Jake Hager #16 of the Arizona Diamondbacks hits a single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against San Diego Padres at Petco Park on August 8, 2021 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

Venomous Roster Moves by the Dbacks

More from Venom Strikes

Over the past few days, the Dbacks have made a series of roster moves.

Today, the Dbacks optioned SS Jake Hager and P Miguel Aguilar to Reno while bringing up Humberto Mejia and activating Joe Mantiply off the Injured List. Humberto is making his season debut tonight.

As always,

May the Force be with You…