Series Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks (30-30) @ Texas Rangers (35-26)

Last year, the Arizona Diamondbacks shocked everybody by going worst-to-first in the NL West. This year, they are struggling to string wins together and find themselves behind the surprising Dodgers and slightly-disappointing Giants in third spot. They got off to a slow start last year as well so this isn’t fatal but the Diamondbacks are probably better than they have played so far this season.

For the Rangers, they are coming off a much needed series win against the Giants and now have a chance to come home and extend their modest winning streak. They will need the offense to pick it up or for the starting pitchers to regain their early season form. Matt Harrison did – it’s up to the rest of the gang.

Series at a Glance

Texas Record: 33-25 (1st AL West)
Arizona Record: 30-30 (3rd NL West, 8 GB)

All-Time Series: 15-7
Record at Texas: 8-3

Notable Transaction: March 28, 2008: The Arizona Diamondbacks traded Dustin Nippert to the Texas Rangers for Jose Marte.

**This is notable simply for the fact this is the only trade between the two teams.

Probable Starters:

Tuesday 7:05 CDT TEX: RHP Colby Lewis (4-5, 3.38 ERA/4.21 FIP) – ARI: RHP Ian Kennedy (5-5, 3.93 ERA/3.63 FIP)

Wednesday 7:05 CDT TEX: LHP Matt Harrison (8-3, 3.87 ERA/3.67 FIP) – ARI: LHP Wade Miley (7-2, 2.53 ERA/3.21 FIP)

Thursday 7:05 CDT TEX: RHP Scott Feldman (0-5, 6.39 ERA, 4.72 FIP) – ARI: RHP Daniel Hudson (2-1, 6.06 ERA/4.67 FIP)

Projected Diamondbacks Lineup

1 SS Willie Bloomquist
2 2B Aaron Hill
3 RF Justin Upton
4 C Miguel Montero (L)
5 CF Chris Young
6 LF Jason Kubel (L)
7 1B Paul Goldschmidt
8 3B Ryan Roberts

Bench
C Henry Blanco
1B Lyle Overbay (L)
3B Josh Bell (S)
IF John McDonald
OF Gerardo Parra (L)

Bullpen
CL RHP J.J. Putz
SU RHP David Hernandez
SU RHP Brad Ziegler
MID LHP Craig Breslow
MID RHP Bryan Shaw
MID LHP Mike Zagurski
LR RHP Josh Collmenter

(source MLBDepthCharts)

For more information on the Diamondbacks see FanSided’s Diamondbacks page, Venom Strikes.