D-backs Starting Lineup: Another Day, Another Stacked Lineup for Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks had no problem scoring runs last night en route to a 10-2 blowout victory against knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. Of course, one look at their lineup and it wasn’t hard to understand why. And once again tonight, the top half of the order remains unchanged. Ready and willing to assault baseballs.

After J.D. Martinez, who’s batting fifth once again, we see Chris Owings, Brandon Drury and, finally, Chris Iannetta catching tonight. The most significant thing that jumps out at me here, is that Jeff Mathis isn’t behind the dish tonight. He’s riding a 12-game on-base streak, which includes at least one hit in 11 of those games. Of course, this is part of the challenge when a team carries three catchers. You’ve got to get them playing time and with the addition of Martinez to the D-backs, Iannetta will be seeing much less time in the outfield. Some would say that’s for the best.

The Braves will shuffle in RHP Mike Foltynewicz (8-5, 3.87 ERA), who has the lowest ERA on the Braves rotation but, interestingly, his FIP is .65 higher (E-F) which tells me he’s due for a game or three where he gets his up-and-comings. In case you’re wondering, Dickey’s E-F was similarly disparate and we all know what happened in last night’s game. So, yeah, you should feel good about tonight’s game.

On the hill for the D-backs is newly minted father, Taijuan Walker (6-4, 3.61 ERA), who’s pitching in his first game since returning from paternity leave. Walker has a been masterful at inducing groundballs this year, with a 47.9 GB%. For reference, the league average GB% is 44.3. Walker last pitched against the Braves in Atlanta, where he tossed a good one, allowing two runs on five hits over six innings.

Here’s the rest of tonight’s Diamondbacks lineup as they take on the Braves:

The #Dbacks lineup on #TealTuesday. #OurSeason pic.twitter.com/W9vfdJ8NPa

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 25, 2017