Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #39: 5/10 @ Orioles

Let’s start with the obligatory reminder, that tonight’s game is an Apple TV exclusive. See Jack’s article if you need details on how to sign up for a 60-day free trial. But if you prefer to make other arrangements, I’ll be entirely fine with that. In my case, I’ll be maintaining my vow to stay out of the Gameday Threads for as long as the D-backs continue their season-high winning streak. It’s now at four games, and if my absence is what it takes to roll that up to seven, then so be it. Sweeping a strong Orioles team on the road is probably not going to happen though: even winning this series would be a significant achievement, considering the D-backs are a woeful 5-13 against opponents currently at or above .500.

A-bullpen may be a bit thin, with Ryan Thompson, Kevin Ginkel and Paul Sewald all having thrown in two of the three Cincinnati games. Maybe a chance for Justin Martinez to step up and prove he deserves more high-leverage innings. One significant positive is, he has simply been throwing more strikes this year. In 2023, he was all the way down at 55.5%, compared to MLB average of 64.0%. He’s right up there, at 64.2% in 2024, though he’s still walking too many (six in nine innings). Given the raw, undiluted “stuff” Martinez possesses, I think he simply need to trust in it a bit more. Heck, aim for the middle of the plate and if they can hit a 103 mph fastball, tip your hat.

No, don’t do that. :)