Diamondbacks Go for Miami Sweep in Finale vs Marlins

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The Diamondbacks have a chance to sweep the Marlins in Miami, and to set themselves right back on course.

Aaron Hughes | 9 Hours Ago

Aug 20, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Kevin Newman (18) throws to first base to retire second baseman Vidal Brujan (not pictured) during the ninth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:Arizona DiamondbacksMiami Marlins

The Arizona Diamondbacks are back in a familiar position for today’s game, with a chance to sweep the Marlins in Miami. After a devastating series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Arizona is looking to rebound in a big way behind Jordan Montgomery.

Starting Pitchers

Jordan Montgomery, LHP, 6.25 ERA, 4.41 FIP in 89.1 IP

Montgomery has certainly not had the 2024 season that he was hoping for. He has significantly underperformed to this point and has missed time both due to injury, and because of a lengthy build-up period after a prolonged Free Agency. Recently, however, Montgomery has shown some significant signs that he could be trending in the right direction.

In his last 3 starts, Montgomery has given up 4 runs or less, which is a show of consistency that we have not often seen from the left-hander throughout the season. His last start was most impressive, going 6 innings of 3 run ball against the Rockies, but collecting a season-high 8 strikeouts on 22 whiffs. Today he will need to miss bats once again, and with a chance for a sweep, and a desperate need to prove that he is worthy of his rotation spot.

Additionally, according to MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert, the D-backs will once again have right-hander Ryne Nelson in the bullpen, ready to relieve Montgomery in case of injury or a shortened start.

Ryne Nelson will be available out of the bullpen tonight I’m back of Montgomery. If the @Dbacks don’t need Nelson in relief tonight he will start Friday against the Red Sox. Mgr Torey Lovullo said team will use a 6-man rotation this time through again. (More)

— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) August 21, 2024

If Nelson is not used in relief, he will make his next start in Boston, and Arizona will go with another turn of a six-man rotation.

Roddery Muñoz, RHP, 5.88 ERA, 6.72 FIP in 78 IP

Muñoz is a rookie for the Marlins in what is a largely inexperienced player core. He has come up in 2024 and pitched poorly but is getting a chance due to a lack of options on the roster. Still, he has been able to give Miami some flashes of brilliance throughout the year.

The young righty’s last four starts haven’t done him many favors. In two of the starts, he has pitched very well, going 5 innings in both, and allowing 3 ER and 2 ER respectively. In the other two starts, however, Muñoz failed to escape the 4th inning and allowed 6 and 5 runs each.

The Diamondbacks, known for taking pesky at-bats and grinding down pitch counts, should be able to knock him out of the game early. Today is Arizona’s chance to make a statement, by taking advantage of a pitcher they should be able to make noise against, and by sweeping a big series.

Lineups

Arizona Diamondbacks vs Miami Marlins / Aaron Hughes

Corbin Carroll, last night’s hero leads off for the Diamondbacks in traditional fashion against a right hander. He has hit 5 home runs in his last 10 games, and is still riding a 30 game on base streak, ranging back to July 7th when he starts a game. While many of the season-wide numbers still do not look pretty for Carroll, the production he has been able to put up for the team in recent months has been invaluable.

Josh Bell, since riding an incredible high after being traded to Arizona at the deadline, has slowed down tremendously. While his production is still solid overall, he is stuck in an 0-for-18 in his last 5 games. He is putting he ball in play often, but has grounded into 7 double plays since donning a D-backs uniform, 3 of which coming in that 5 game span.

The Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Miami Marlins with a chance to sweep at 3:40 PM Arizona time. Make sure to stay tuned to Arizona Diamondbacks ON SI for all things D-backs.