The San Diego Padres (74-60) will host the Arizona Diamondbacks (64-69) on Monday in the opening contests of a three-game series. The Padres hold a 9-3 edge in the 12 head-to-head games this season. This preview was written after Arizona's 5-1 win over the Brewers on Sunday, but before the Padres game against the Dodgers was played.
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The turnaround by the Arizona Diamondbacks is one of the more overlooked stories in baseball. Although they are 9.5 games out of a wild card spot, the team has made great strides after finishing 52-110 last year. The club has won eight of its last 10, averaging 6.5 runs per game over that stretch. Christian Walker has led the power this season, with career highs of 31 home runs and 75 RBI through 130 games so far.
Zac Gallen is out here sweeping people off their feet! ?? pic.twitter.com/l0c2Pouer5
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 4, 2022
Adding depth to the pitching staff will be an issue for Arizona to address in the offseason. Despite having two of the top performing starters in the National League this season (Merill Kelly and Zac Gallen), Arizona only ranks 22nd with a 4.22 ERA. Gallen tossed another gem on Sunday, allowing just two hits and no runs, improving his record to 11-2. On Monday, rookie Ryne Nelson is set to make his big league debut. In 26 starts at AAA this season, Nelson went 10-5 with a 5.43 ERA and 128 strikeouts in 136 innings. The bullpen is 25th with a 4.48 ERA.