Nicole: Kevin, I just watched the D-backs pull off a four-run seventh inning to beat the Reds 5-3, and now they've got the Cubs coming to town. But here's the thing—they just lost another starting pitcher to the IL. How are they going to keep this wild card push alive?
Kevin: It's a great question, Nicole. They're 69-62, third in the NL West, and every game matters now. And the pitching staff is getting thinner by the day.
Nicole: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, the home for daily baseball talk. I'm Nicole, and as always, I'm joined by the sharpest mind in the game, Kevin. Today we're previewing the D-backs' series against the Chicago Cubs.
Kevin: And we've got a lot to break down. We'll start with the pitching matchup for game one, then dig into the lineup and the bullpen, and finish with our keys to the series and a bold prediction.
Nicole: Let's get into it. Kevin, the D-backs just took two of three from the Reds—remember, you predicted a sweep, I said two of three. I'm feeling pretty good about that call.
Kevin: You got me there. But the real test starts now. The Cubs are a different animal.
Nicole: Alright, let's talk pitching. Who do we expect to see on the mound for the D-backs in game one against the Cubs?
Kevin: We don't have the official probables yet, but based on the rotation, I'd expect Merrill Kelly to get the ball. He's been the anchor all season. But with Soroka going on the IL, they might need to reshuffle things.
Nicole: Right, Michael Soroka was placed on the 10-day IL with right shoulder inflammation. That's a tough blow. What does that do to the rotation depth?
Kevin: It's a big hit. They're already without Blake Walston on the 60-day, and now Soroka's down. They've got Eduardo Rodriguez and Brandon Pfaadt, but they need someone to step up. Maybe Mitch Bratt gets a look.
Nicole: Mitch Bratt—he's been solid in the minors. Could that be a spot start?
Kevin: Possibly. But for tonight, I think Kelly is the guy. He's been reliable, and he gives them a chance to win every time out.
Nicole: And the Cubs? What kind of pitcher are they throwing?
Kevin: They've got a solid rotation too. I'd expect one of their top arms—maybe Justin Steele or Shota Imanaga. They're both tough lefties, which could give the D-backs' left-handed bats some trouble.
Nicole: Lefties. The D-backs have a lot of left-handed hitters—Corbin Carroll, Max Kepler, Lars Nootbaar. That could be a challenge.
Kevin: Exactly. They'll need to be disciplined at the plate and work counts. It's all about getting into the bullpen early.
Nicole: Speaking of the lineup, let's talk about the bats. The D-backs have been hot and cold lately. What do you expect from the offense in this series?
Kevin: Well, they just got a huge hit from Ildemaro Vargas in that 5-3 win—a two-run triple that broke it open. He's been a spark plug off the bench.
Nicole: Vargas has been clutch. But they're missing some key pieces. Ketel Marte is still on the IL, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is out too. How do they fill that gap?
Kevin: They've got to rely on the depth they have. Nolan Arenado has been the anchor in the middle of the lineup, and Corbin Carroll has been heating up. But they need more consistency from the bottom of the order.
Nicole: What about the bullpen? That's been a concern all season. Ryan Thompson is on the 15-day IL, and they've been mixing and matching.
Kevin: The bullpen has been shaky, but they've got some arms that can be dominant—Justin Martinez, Kevin Ginkel, and Drey Jameson. The key is getting to them with a lead.
Nicole: So the starters need to go deep. That puts more pressure on Kelly tonight.
Kevin: Absolutely. If Kelly can give them six or seven innings, that shortens the game for the bullpen and keeps the Cubs' hitters off balance.
Nicole: And the Cubs' lineup—they've got some dangerous hitters. Who's the one guy the D-backs need to shut down?
Kevin: They've got a balanced lineup, but I'd keep an eye on their catcher, Miguel Amaya, and their shortstop, Dansby Swanson. If they can limit those two, they've got a good chance.
Nicole: Alright, let's get into our keys to the series. Kevin, what are the top three things the D-backs need to do to take this series?
Kevin: First, they need to get quality starts from their rotation. With the bullpen banged up, they can't afford to burn through relievers every night.
Nicole: Second, they need to keep the momentum from that comeback win. That four-run seventh inning showed a lot of fight.
Kevin: And third, they need to win the battle of the long ball. The Cubs have power, but if the D-backs can out-homer them, they'll be in good shape.
Nicole: Now for the bold prediction. Kevin, you went with a sweep last time and it didn't happen. What are you saying for this series against the Cubs?
Kevin: I'm going to say the D-backs take two of three. I think they drop the middle game but win the opener and the finale.
Nicole: Interesting. I'm going to be a little more optimistic—I think they sweep. They've got the momentum, and the Cubs are struggling a bit on the road.
Kevin: A sweep would be huge for the wild card race. But they need to stay healthy and keep getting contributions from guys like Vargas.
Nicole: Alright, that's our show for today. To recap: we previewed the Cubs series, broke down the pitching matchup, and gave our keys and predictions.
Kevin: Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Beatline Podcast Network. Share this episode with your fellow D-backs fans!
Nicole: And as always, go D-backs! Let's take care of business at Chase Field.