The Arizona Diamondbacks are coming off an impressive three-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds, but the schedule gets much tougher from here. Next up is a three-game weekend series against the American League’s top team, the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles led the AL with 101 wins in 2023, and lead the junior circuit with a 24-12 record in 2024. It’s safe to say the Diamondbacks have their work cut out for them this weekend.
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Friday, May 10, 4:05 PM MST – RHP Brandon Pfaadt (1-2, 4.61 ERA) vs. LHP Cole Irvin (3-1, 2.86 ERA)
Brandon Pfaadt is coming off a solid start against San Diego where he held the Padres to three earned runs in six innings. Poor defense, a lack of run support, and a bullpen meltdown turned a 3-0 game into a 13-1 loss. Pfaadt features a four-seam fastball (92-95 MPH), sinker, sweeper, curveball, and a changeup. Location is key for Pfaadt, especially for his four-seamer and sweeper.
Cole Irvin doesn’t light up the radar gun or put up impressive strikeout totals, but does an excellent job at avoiding loud contact. Despite featuring a fastball that averages 92 MPH, he mixes in a sinker, cutter, curveball, slider, and a changeup. His ability to land strikes early in the count sets up the at-bat, where late and subtle movement will take a pitch off the barrel. He’s coming off a 6 1/3 inning scoreless start against the Reds.
Saturday, May 11, 1:05 PM MST – RHP Ryne Nelson (2-2, 5.23 ERA) vs. LHP John Means (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
Ryne Nelson spent two weeks on the injured list, but returned on May 5 to defeat the Padres. Nelson allowed four runs in five innings against a pesky lineup that made him earn every out in each inning. He features a fastball that’s 93-98 MPH, a cutter, curveball, slider, and a changeup. The ability to land pitches other than the four-seamer will be key to keeping the Orioles hitters guessing.
John Means has overcome a lot of injury adversity late that includes Tommy John surgery and a left forearm injury that delayed the start to his season. He came off the IL strong in his last start, shutting out the Reds for seven innings with eight strikeouts. Means utilizes the main four-pitch mix: fastball, curveball, slider, and a changeup. His fastball averages just 92 MPH, but plays up due to the above-average vertical break, setting up his whole arsenal. His primary secondary pitch is a changeup, which he uses to neutralize right-handed hitters.
Sunday, May 12, 10:35 AM MST – RHP Zac Gallen (4-2, 2.84 ERA) vs. RHP Dean Kremer (3-2, 3.57 ERA)
Zac Gallen missed 11 days due to hamstring issues, but made a triumphant return on the mound against the Reds with six scoreless innings. Gallen leads the rotation in quality starts (6 IP, 3 ER or less), tied with Jordan Montgomery with three. He features a fastball 91-94 MPH, a knuckle curve, slider, cutter, and a changeup. His ability to spot the fastball to set up the curveball and slider will be key against the Orioles.
Dean Kremer is a good strike-thrower, but has been hit hard this season. While it’s not reflective yet in his ERA, it’s reasonable to believe that his average on balls in play (BABIP) will increase from the .192 figure he’s put up in his first seven starts towards his .287 career mark. Kremer features a power arsenal starting with a fastball that averages just under 94 MPH, a cutter, split finger, and a curveball.
Orioles Top Hitters
The Orioles lead the AL in home runs, slugging percentage, and OPS. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson, left fielder Colton Cowser, and designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn all have an OPS better than .900 on the season. Henderson leads the AL with 11 home runs on the season.
Adley Rutschman continues to be the rock of the team, hitting .318 with a .834 OPS and providing solid defense behind the plate. Ryan Mountcastle and Jordan Westburg have provided impact at both corner infield spots, both hitting over .270 with six home runs apiece.
Series Prediction
The Diamondbacks have their work cut out for them, but they’ll do good to win one game of the series and finish with a successful 4-2 road trip.
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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB
