SAN DIEGO –The Arizona Diamondbacks open a pivotal four-game series tonight against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
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Jul 6, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second base Ketel Marte (4) makes the play for an out against the Kansas City Royals in the eighth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
With Arizona looking to claw its way back into playoff contention, every game gets more and more important. For the D-Backs, the offense has been solid but not quite enough to offset shaky pitching. Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte have led the charge, but they’ll need timely hitting and more support from the bottom of the order to take pressure off Gallen.
Monday’s mound matchups:
The D-Backs are turning to Zac Gallen to set the tone. Gallen, the 28-year-old right-hander, has had an uneven season so far. His inconsistency has plagued much of his 2025 campaign. But last week, he flashed the form that made him a Cy Young finalist just two seasons ago, striking out ten over seven dominant innings against the San Francisco Giants. Arizona will need more of that sharpness tonight to cool off a dangerous Padres lineup.
Jul 1, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws is the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
On the other side, San Diego will send Yu Darvish to the mound for his first start of the season after battling elbow issues. The five-time All-Star is expected to be on a pitch limit, which could give Arizona an early chance to do damage if they can work counts and force the Padres into their bullpen.
California for the week.https://t.co/epBmrbYHsx is 50% off through Sunday. pic.twitter.com/THmAj47r4X
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 7, 2025
This series could determine whether the front office looks to buy or sell at the deadline. A strong outing from Gallen tonight would be more than just a win it could be the start of a second-half statement.
Jul 6, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third base Eugenio Su‡rez (28) makes the play for an out against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fifth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
