We had just one play on the diamond last night, and it was a no-sweat win, just how we like them. The Phillies trounced the Yankees, and it happened pretty early in the game, so we were able to coast to victory. I am hoping this is the same situation today, but I’m guessing my play for today’s game will not come as easily. Let’s break down this game between the Diamondbacks and
I’ve been reading a lot right now about the trade deadline and what could potentially happen. Most of it never comes to fruition, but it is still fun to explore what analysts think will happen. One of the teams that is on the bubble of being a buyer and a seller is the Arizona Diamondbacks. There has been a rumor for about a year about them trading Ketel Marte, but this team is also 55-51 for the year. They could add a bat and make a splash for their offense, much like they did a couple of years ago.
Last year they were sellers, and they traded away one of their mainstays in the rotation, Merrill Kelly. He toes the rubber tonight for the Diamondbacks. For the year, Kelly is 8-8 with a 5.12 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP, not exactly numbers that will lead to a major return should they try to flip him again. He has been slightly better on the road with a 4.28 ERA. He also has been solid in July, putting together his best month of the season. He has thrown 22 innings and allowed just six earned runs. Most of his problem has been the home run ball because he has allowed one in each start this month. Overall, the Pirates are just 5-for-25 against Kelly.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are another fairly interesting team for this year’s deadline. They are unlikely to be heavily involved in the trade market. I doubt they will be sellers, and they may not have the means to be major buyers. They are slightly above .500 with a 52-50 record, so trading away players when they have a shot at the postseason seems unlikely. They’ve been one of the better-hitting teams in the sport, so I don’t know that it helps to trade for another bat, but maybe the pitching staff can get an upgrade.
Perhaps they can get today’s starter, Mitch Keller, to improve his performance. For the season, Keller is 6-7 with a 4.90 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. He has been very bad in Pittsburgh this season, with a 5.68 ERA at home. He also has allowed 26 earned runs in his last 40 innings. He has allowed at least three earned runs in each of his past six starts at home. He is coming off one of his best starts of the year, a road outing, going five scoreless innings and allowing just three hits. Diamondback hitters are batting .202 against Keller.
The numbers don’t really scream any true success for either of these lineups against the opposing starter. There are some guys who have performed well, but no one that makes me think this will be a super high-scoring game. I also don’t think I can advocate for the under given how these pitchers have performed this season.
I’m going to take the Diamondbacks in this one. Keller has been bad at home this season, and Kelly hasn’t been great, but has at least been better on the road. There is some sharp action coming in on Arizona as well, with the line moving in their favor. I’m going to back the Diamondbacks on the moneyline, but just know this might be a bit sweaty.
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