The Dodgers travel to Arizona not entirely knowing what to expect from the Diamondbacks, who aren’t just playing another regular-season series. This 31-27 Diamondbacks team is playing to validate its presence as a worthy postseason contender this year. It is true that even if the Dodgers sweep the Diamondbacks, they’ll still carry a more than decent chance of making the postseason, but the path they took to get here has Arizona playing to show they’re something more than just a byproduct of an easy
schedule.
After a difficult start to the year, Arizona won 11 of 13 by strictly beating up on the Rockies and Giants, only to go on and be swept by the Mariners this weekend. Overwhelming success against the bottom of the NL West might carry them somewhere, but for any true contender (the Dodgers) to take them seriously, they’ll have to prove themselves at a whole different level, and that starts with games like these.
The first matchup of the series has a couple of southpaws on the mound with well over one thousand innings between them. Justin Wrobleski is coming off his magnificent display against the Phillies, while Eduardo Rodríguez is in the middle of his best campaign since joining Arizona. Rodríguez made his season debut outdueling Tyler Glasnow, only to see his offense fail to contribute, leading to an eventual 3-2 loss for the Snakes. Even though Wrobleski has had his moments, this is about as favorable a matchup as Arizona will get against Los Angeles. Tuesday’s between Eric Lauer and Mike Soroka also has Arizona with the edge.
Arizona isn’t the only team playing to prove a point, though. This might also be seen as the time for the Dodgers to hand the Diamondbacks a reality check, sending a young starter on the road against a division rival’s ace.
Monday’s game info
- Teams: Dodgers at Diamondbacks
- Ballpark: Chase Field, Phoenix
- Start time: 6:40 p.m. PT
- TV: SportsNet LA
- Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
