D-backs Starting Lineup: Walker Pitching with Lamb, Goldy, & Martinez Leading the Way
The Diamondbacks clash with the Chicago Cubs tonight at Chase Field. Taijuan Walker will take the hill for the Snakes. He’s given up three or fewer runs in each of his last four games but hasn’t been able to notch a win in any of those games. In fact, his last win came all the way back on June 21 in a game against the Rockies. You remember, that 16-run explosion by the D-backs?
On the hill for the Cubs is their worst pitcher, John Lackey. He gives up an atrocious 2.03 HR/9 so expect the D-backs to go deep in this one. His 4.87/5.57 ERA/FIP is by far the worst line of all Cubs starters. If the D-backs can get to him early, don’t expect their bullpen to bail him out. They’ve been struggling to find their identity so far in the second half of the season, sporting a stout 4.36 ERA.
Against left-handed hitters, John Lackey has allowed opposing batters to hit .281/.354/.555 with 2.5 HR/9. Tonight’s lineup for the D-backs is stacked with lefties too. Leading off is David Peralta, followed by A.J. Pollock, Jake Lamb, Paul Goldschmidt and J.D. Martinez.
Ketel Marte, who’s riding a 10-game hitting streak, bats seventh in the order for the D-backs. He’s followed by Chris Herrman. While it’s true that Herrmann hasn’t had a hit for 14 games, perhaps he can break through tonight against Lackey. Certainly his ultra-low BABIP of .165 will turn around at some point. He hits the ball as hard as anyone on the team, so those balls will start to fall in eventually.
Tonight’s #Dbacks lineup for the series opener. #OurSeason pic.twitter.com/awWnRXLYSI
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 11, 2017
