The D-Backs made a handful of strikes on tonight’s off day. Arizona activated Ryne Nelson from the 15-day injured record and recalled outfielder Alek Thomas from Triple-A Reno. The Snakes optioned Yilber Diaz and Blake Walston to open spots on the lively roster.
Nelson’s return is the most important improvement. The suitable-hander has had a powerful second half, working to a 3.39 ERA whereas putting out greater than 27% of opponents because the All-Star Break. Nelson outpitched Jordan Montgomery to solidify his rotation spot. He held that job till the center of September, when a bout of shoulder irritation despatched him to the injured record.
That quickly drew Montgomery again into the beginning 5. Arizona may use each Nelson and Montgomery out of the bullpen this weekend. The D-Backs will begin Merrill Kelly tomorrow to kick off their weekend sequence with the Padres. They haven’t introduced starters for his or her last two video games. Eduardo Rodriguez and Brandon Pfaadt can be on schedule. They’re the third and fourth starters on paper, though Nelson had been handily outperforming each within the weeks resulting in his IL placement. Zac Gallen tossed 97 pitches over six innings in opposition to the Giants yesterday. He’s doubtlessly an choice for Sunday on three days relaxation if the D-Backs are taking part in a must-win recreation.
Thomas returns to the outfield combine as a pace and protection choice off the bench. The D-Backs optioned him to Triple-A in the course of August. He suffered an harm inside every week and was out of motion till September 17. Thomas has solely appeared in 37 MLB contests this 12 months. He’s hitting .191/.248/.362 throughout 102 plate appearances. Jake McCarthy has surpassed him as the first middle fielder.
At 88-71, the Diamondbacks at the moment maintain the ultimate Wild Card spot. They’re share factors behind the #5 seed Mets. Arizona is technically one recreation up on the 86-71 Braves, however the groups have an equal variety of losses with Atlanta holding the tiebreaker. If the Braves have been to win out, they’d leapfrog the D-Backs.
Atlanta’s last two video games — scheduled for subsequent Monday after this week’s hurricane-related postponements — are in opposition to the Mets. Meaning the Diamondbacks management their future. If Arizona wins out, they’d cling onto the sixth seed over the Mets even when the Braves handed them by additionally ending 91-71.
There’s quite a bit at play. The Atlanta-New York postponement means there’s a very good likelihood the D-Backs received’t know their destiny till Monday, though Arizona’s common season ends on Sunday. The Mets are headed to Milwaukee this weekend, whereas the Braves host a Royals workforce that solely wants one win (or a Twins loss) to punch its ticket to October.
