Padres Preview: Dinelson Lamet vs. Robbie Ray & the Arizona Diamondbacks

Tonight the Padres head to Phoenix to open a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Having lost two of three to the Rockies, the Padres didn’t do a good job of playing spoiler, but they get a chance to spoil the D-Backs’ run for a few games. The Diamondbacks are currently tied for second in the NL West behind the afforementioned Rockies.

Dinelson Lamet has done nothing but impress in his two starts to open his MLB career. In ten innings pitched, he’s struck out 16 and only issued three walks and giving up three earned runs. Even when he seemed to struggle at times in his last start, his stuff was good enough to baffle hitters, and when he missed he was missing out of the zone. Minimizing damage will be important today, as the Diamondbacks have one of the most productive offenses in the league.

Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

Robbie Ray has been the ace of the Diamondbacks rotation this year. Through eleven starts, his 3.00 ERA and 84 strikeouts both rank seventh in the National League. He’s an extreme flyball pitcher, which could play into the hands of sluggers like Hunter Renfroe, Ryan Schimpf, Yangervis Solarte, and Wil Myers, but his nasty curveball and excellent command is likely to confound the younger Padres hitters.

The heat is on, so the roof will likely be closed at Chase Field, which might help keep the ball in the park. Look for the Friars to touch up some big fly balls, and root for them to find the cheap seats as our guys try to rain on the Diamondbacks’ day!

Start time: 6:40PM PDT
Radio: 94.9FM, 860AM (Español)
TV: Fox Sports San Diego
Online: MLB.TV