Diamondbacks series preview vs the falling Padres

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 29: Jake McCarthy #30 of the Arizona Diamondbacks in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on August 29, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 29: Jake McCarthy #30 of the Arizona Diamondbacks in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on August 29, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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Taylor Widener Arizona Diamondbacks
PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 27: Taylor Widener #57 of the Arizona Diamondbacks in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during a game at Citizens Bank Park on August 27, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Wednesday, 09/01 @Chase Field 12:40 PM AZ Time

Taylor Widener v Yu Darvish

Taylor Widener will be on the bump for the season-series finale vs the San Diego Padres. The Dbacks will not face them again this year. Widener has struggled with his command lately by walking a few too many guys. He’s had 8 walks in his last two starts. Somehow, he’s managed to tight-rope around them. Widener has pitched really well against the Padres as he’s 1-0 and has 12K’s, 5 walks, and 2 ERs in 11 innings pitched. Overall, he’s 2-1, 32 walks, 64 K’s, and a 4.28 ERA in 61 innings this year.

Yu Darvish has been the Ace for the Padres. He started the season off brilliantly. However, he’s been quite hittable for the past two months. Since the beginning of July, he’s pitched to a 0-6, 8 walks, 49 K’s, and a 6.97 ERA in 41.1 innings pitched. In case you missed it, he is making his 2nd start since being activated off the 10-day IL after he left the game against the Dbacks early on August 12th. He only missed 14 days though as he came back on August 26th to pitch against the Dodgers. He struggled in that game giving up 4 ER’s in 6 innings of work. He’s faced the Diamondbacks a lot this year. Over his 4 starts, he has gone 0-1 and given up 12 ERs, 21 hits, 3 walks, and 29 K’s in 20.1 innings. His stats for the entire season is 7-8, 31 walks, 164 K’s, and a 3.80 ERA in 137.1 innings.

The Padres hitters have struggled in their career against Widener to this point. Only Eric Hosmer

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has been able to do much of anything against Widener as he has 2 HRs in his career. Meanwhile, the Dbacks are plenty familiar with Mr. Darvish. Ketel Marte has 5 hits and an HR off Yu in his time. David Peralta is 7/18 against Yu with 3 HRs and 5 RBIs. Lastly, Walker is 5/15 with an HR and 2 RBIs against Yu.

Quick Venom Bites

The Arizona Diamondbacks have optioned Humberto Mejia back to Triple-AAA Reno. They have called up RP Sean Poppen from Triple-AAA Reno. Presumably, this means that Merrill Kelly or Luke Weaver will be making the next start in that rotation spot.

This is going to be an exciting series against the Padres. Let’s hope the Diamondbacks can give them some of that Arizona Venom and ruin their season. Go Dbacks!

As always,

May the Force be with You…

Schedule