After a long weekend in Anaheim, two games extending into extra innings, and Sunday’s finale seeming like it would never end with the Angels charging to a 14-2 victory, the Mets conclude their nine-game road trip in Arizona. After taking two of three in Atlanta, and then losing two of three in Anaheim, this final series of the trip will decide if it is a successful one or not. The Diamondbacks are struggling, having won only one of their first nine home games. So the Mets have an opportunity to return to Citi in good shape through the season’s first west coast swing.
The Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks started the season by being swept by the Dodgers in Australia, and haven’t been able to right the ship since. After starting 1-7, they won three of the next four games to hint progress, but were swept by the Dodgers, again, this past weekend. At the plate, Paul Goldschmidt has been his stellar self, with Mark Trumbo providing the power with a league-leading six home runs. Outside of those two players, the DBack lineup has been pretty anemic, failing to get on base via the walk, and not hitting. The starting pitching has been a major issue, with Arizona holding the league’s worst ERA of 7.18. Perhaps the most disappointing starter being Trevor Cahill, who lost Sunday to fall to 0-4 with a 9.17 ERA on the season. The bullpen has been slightly better, but not by much. Overall, it has been a disastrous start in Arizona.
2014 Lineup
- Gerardo Parra RF
- Aaron Hill 2B
- Paul Goldschmidt 1B
- Martin Prado 3B
- Mark Trumbo LF
- Miguel Montero C
- Chris Owings SS
- A.J. Pollock CF
Key Injuries
- SP Daniel Hudson out most of the season from Tommy John.
- SP Pat Corbin out for the season from Tommy John.
- RP David Hernandez could miss the season due to Tommy John.
- OF Cody Ross recovering from hip surgery.
Interesting Notes
- Josh Collmenter will make his first start of the season on Monday. He was used exclusively as a reliever last year, but has starting experience in his career. He will replace struggling Randall Delgado.
- Our favorite, Oliver Perez, signed with the DBacks in the spring. He has been scored upon in four of his last six games.
- Arizona is 55-58 all-time against the Mets, including 26-30 at home.
- Gerardo Parra likes facing the Mets pitching, with a career .340 average (36-106) in 31 games.
Pitching Probables
Monday (9:40): RHP Zack Wheeler (0-2, 5.73) vs. RHP Josh Collmenter (0-0, 2.25)
Tuesday (9:40): RHP Jenrry Mejia (1-0, 4.09) vs. RHP Bronson Arroyo (1-0, 4.82)
Wednesday (3:40): RHP Dillon Gee (0-0, 5.03) vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy (0-2, 7.78)
