Two long-time Diamondbacks are with the Astros.
The Diamondbacks have a 4 game winning streak. Can they extend it to 7 games?
The Challenge. On 4-6 July, the Astros swept the Dodgers, outscoring them 29-6. Their pitching is among the best in the Majors (bullpen ranked second best and rotation ranked fourth best in Wins Above Average). Astros were the 5th best team in the Majors per power rankings by The Athletic. On the other hand, after sweeping the Dodgers they lost three consecutive series. Maybe the Astros are in a slump.
Additional challenges. In July, the Diamondbacks lost three games when they scored 5 runs, an indicator of a weakness in pitching. The fast-approaching trade deadline could possibly weaken the Diamondbacks before or during their series with the Astros.
The Optimistic Possibility. On the other hand, the Diamondbacks offense can be explosive. And the Diamondbacks are motivated to extend their winning streak. My optimistic prediction is the Diamondbacks will win the series, and they could possibly reach a 7 game winning streak.
Astros to Watch.
Tony Perezchica, 3B coach. In 1984, he began his playing career with the Giants. In 1997, he began his coaching career. From 2003 to 2005, he managed minor league teams for the Diamondbacks. In 2016, he began his role as third base coach for the Diamondbacks. He was there when the Diamondbacks reached the World Series. In October of 2024, he moved to the Astros.
Christian Walker, 1B. From 2017 to 2024, he played first base for the Diamondbacks. He was a late bloomer, and reached his peak in 2022 to 2024. In those three seasons, he totaled 11.3 bWAR and won three gold gloves for his defense, He was there when the Diamondbacks reached the World Series. In October of 2024, he was lost to free agency.
Diamondbacks to Watch
This season, Corbin Carroll has hit the most triples (13 triples) in the Majors. Will Corbin Carroll extend his lead?
This season, Jose Herrera has the most sacrifice bunts (10 sacrifice bunts) in the Majors per Davy Andrews’ article. Will Jose Herrera extend his lead?
What to look for each day.
Although two Astro starters are rookies, if they leave the game early, the Astro bullpen is maybe the second best in the Majors.
Monday, 6:40 PM MST.
Zac Gallen. In July, his first two starts were excellent (1 earned run in 13 innings). Against the Angels, he allowed a total of 6 hits in the fourth and fifth innings, which increased earned runs from 1 to 6. Nevertheless, his 3.50 ERA for July is his best month of the season. Perhaps he will emerge from the All-Star break at the top of his game.
Colten Gordon. In his first season in the Majors, he allowed 1 or less earned runs in 27% of his games.
This matchup of starting pitchers is advantage Diamondbacks.
Tuesday, 6:40 PM MST.
Eduardo Rodriguez. When he was the starting pitcher, five of his games were decided by 1-run. Four of the five were Diamondbacks losses. If this game ends as a 1-run game, the Diamondbacks are due for a win.
Framber Valdez. In his second season in the Majors (retained his rookie status), he allowed 1 or less earned runs in 47% of his games.
This matchup of starting pitchers is advantage Astros.
Wednesday, 12:40 PM MST.
Brandon Pfaadt. In June & July (prior to the All-Star break), his FIP improved from 4.93 to 4.52, while his ERA worsened from 5.05 to 5.16. If his improved FIP means anything, his ERA will improve. After the All-Star break, he allowed zero earned runs in 7 innings pitched.
TBD, maybe Brandon Walter. Brandon Walter is rebounding from last season’s rotator cuff injury. This season, he allowed 1 or less earned runs in 43% of his games. His 2.93 SIERA is in the top 40 pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched as a starter per Mike Podhorzer’s article.
This matchup of starting pitchers is advantage Diamondbacks.