One week ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks (21-25) were riding high, having swept the Miami Marlins in a four-game series. Fast forward a week, and the D-Backs now head into this weekend's series with the Milwaukee Brewers (16-32) coming off three-straight losses.
That's been the ebb and flow of the D-Backs' season.
Now Arizona will have a shot at redemption in Milwaukee, as the team will wrap up a six-game road trip against the Brewers beginning on Friday
This is a series the D-Backs should be able to win.
The Brewers are the worst team in baseball, having lost five-straight games, and own an 8-18 record at home. The D-Backs should easily take two games in this series, and if they can get consistency from the bullpen, could get a sweep of their own.
Expected Pitching Matchups
Friday
Rubby De La Rosa (4-2) vs. Jimmy Nelson (2-5)
Saturday
Jeremy Hellickson (2-3) vs. Kyle Lohse (3-5)
Sunday
Chase Anderson (1-1) vs. Matt Garza (2-7)
Players to Watch
Chase Anderson
One could make the argument that Anderson has been the D-Backs best pitcher this year. The 27-year-old has a team best 2.59 ERA and is second on the team with 38 strikeouts.
Looking at Anderson's stats this the season will really make you realize how much Arizona's bullpen has struggled this year, as he only has a 1-1 record to show for his efforts.
In his last outing in St. Louis, where he didn't have his best stuff, he still battled and only surrendered two runs through six innings of work.
Anderson will pitch in the last game of the series against Matt Garza. D-Backs fans will hope the team can finally reward his efforts with a win.
Gerardo Parra
Diamondbacks fans remember Parra, and they'll get a chance to see him again this weekend, albeit in a Brewers' uniform.
The outfielder is hitting .287 for Milwaukee this season with 10 doubles and 14 RBI.
Parra has seen his RBI numbers drop in recent years, but has been a consistent contact bat as he's only posted a batting average lower than 2.60 once in his career.
Major Storyline
Diamondbacks' Schedule
Arizona will take on Milwaukee this weekend, then welcome the Atlanta Braves to Chase Field for a series beginning next Monday.
The Brewers are well below .500 and Atlanta currently sits at 23-23.
After those two series, the D-Backs schedule gets very difficult.
Arizona will then take on the Mets, Dodgers and Giants in three-straight series against teams above .500. After those series, they will play the Angels and Padres, who both sit just below the .500 line.
Needless to say, it will be crucial that Arizona collects wins over these next two series against the Brewers and Braves before the D-Backs hit that tough stretch.
