The Arizona Diamondbacks continue their three-game series in Atlanta against the Braves on Saturday night. The Diamondbacks are in the midst of a six-game road trip as they battle the Colorado Rockies in the lower portion of the NL West standings. Meanwhile, the Braves continue their quest to repeat as World Series champions in 2022 and sit atop the NL Wildcard standings and just behind the New York Mets for the lead in the NL East Division. The pitching matchup on Saturday night will feature a pair of right-handers as Corbin Martin (0-0, 3.93) of the D-Backs takes on Ian Anderson (8-6, 5.31) of the Braves. First pitch is scheduled for 720pm EST.
The Diamondbacks had a miserable season in 2021, winning just 52 games and finishing tied for the worst record in baseball. Heading into Friday night's game in Atlanta, the D-Backs have 45 wins already this season as the team has rebounded towards respectability this season. Arizona has been a solid mix of veterans and up and coming players as they continue to push out of the basement in the very competitive NL West Division. In their last 20 games, the D-Backs are 10-10. The Diamondbacks fell 5-2 to the Braves on Friday night as they were held to just six hits and struck out nine times against Braves pitching.
Game 99. pic.twitter.com/0q1E8szwjA
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 29, 2022
One reason for the Diamondbacks modest level of success is their starting pitching this season. Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen have combined to give Arizona 21 quality starts and 15 wins this season. Each pitcher has an ERA under 3.30 for the season as they both give Arizona a better than average chance each time they take a turn on the mound. Arizona will cart out 26-year old Corbin Martin on Saturday night. Martin was optioned back to the big league roster on July 24th and allowed 4 hits and one run in four innings of work. Prior to that, Martin had not made an appearance since May on the major league roster.