The D-backs have adjusted their rotation to set up favorable matchups for the remainder of the season. Zac Gallen has been moved up to start on Sunday, while Ryne Nelson has been pushed back to the upcoming series against Colorado. The only uncertainty revolves around Merrill Kelly, who left his last start due to right hamstring cramping but is expected to continue pitching. It remains undecided if Kelly will take the mound on Monday, following Gallen in the rotation, or on Tuesday for an additional day of rest. Arizona has one more off day to further align their rotation, with Gallen slated as the presumptive Game 1 starter.
Manager Torey Lovullo emphasized the importance of each remaining game, saying, “I don’t want to make any assumptions; every series we play is huge.” He also mentioned the ongoing process of adjusting the rotation, aiming to keep key pitchers on schedule and set up ideal matchups, both for the end of the regular season and the playoffs.
If Kelly starts Monday, the projected rotation would be Gallen, Kelly, Nelson, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt. However, this arrangement may change as they approach the wild card round. As for their playoff strategy, Lovullo stated, “We’ve got it mapped out as far as we can go. I don’t want to talk about it … That’s all in play and considered when we are talking through some of the rotation switches we made.”
Regarding Yilber Diaz, the Diamondbacks have recalled the top pitching prospect to fill a bullpen role, transitioning from his starting position earlier in the year. This follows a pattern set with Bryce Jarvis last season and Slade Cecconi this year. “Probably more than one inning, not the long man, probably one-plus two-inning stints,” Lovullo said, suggesting that Diaz could pitch in any situation. Though Diaz may receive a “soft landing” in his new role, Lovullo is confident in his readiness to compete.
Diaz is adjusting mentally to the bullpen role but has previous experience as a reliever from his first minor league season. Both he and Lovullo expect his pitches to spike in effectiveness, with Diaz planning to continue using his fastball, slider, and curveball. However, how he manages pitching on consecutive days remains to be seen.
In a potential three-game wild card series, the Diamondbacks will have to decide whether to include Diaz on the roster. They may opt not to use all their starters, making the inclusion of both Eduardo Rodriguez and Jordan Montgomery potentially redundant in such a short series.
