Ryne Nelson hopes to force D-backs into a tough decision with the starting rotation

Jul 19, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ryne Nelson (19) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Diamondbacks (69-53) will play the Tampa Bay Rays (59-61) for a three-game series at Tropicana Field. Arizona rolls into Tampa winners of their last nine series and last six overall, tied with the San Diego Padres for the top Wild Card spot. Tampa Bay sits in fourth place in a very competitive American League East division. A win would give the Diamondbacks their first seven-game winning streak since the 2017 season.

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The first pitch for Game 1 will be at 3:50 P.M. MST.

D-backs Starting Pitcher: RHP Ryne Nelson (8-6, 4.51 ERA)

The Diamondbacks have a difficult decision to make with their starting rotation. They have six pitchers who they feel are capable starters, but want to shrink it down to a five-man rotation after this turn through. Ryne Nelson was made available out of the bullpen Wednesday, but did not appear as they blew out the Rockies. Instead, Nelson will start the series opener against Tampa Bay.

Nelson has been hot for the Diamondbacks. Since the start of July, spanning eight appearances and seven starts, he has a 2.90 ERA, 49 strikeouts, and 11 walks in 49 2/3 innings. He was a key part in stabilizing the rotation that was down Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodríguez, and Merrill Kelly through much of that stretch. Now the starting rotation is healthy, so it will be interesting to see what decision the team makes. Another strong start by Nelson could force their hand.

Nelson features a four-seam fastball that sits in the 94-99 MPH range, with excellent carry (18 inches induced vertical break) that plays very well at the top of the zone. Since July 2, batters are hitting .175 with a .309 slugging percentage against his four-seamer. He’ll complement it with a low-90s cutter and a slider (vs. RHH) or changeup (vs. LHH) depending on the handedness of the hitter. He’ll show a curveball, but it’s a distant fourth pitch.

Starting Lineups

Game Notes

• Arizona has won 10 of the last 18 matchups against Tampa. Both teams entered the league in the 1998 season. Ironically enough, the two teams have near identical all-time records, with Tampa Bay’s 2070 wins being three more than Arizona’s 2067. A sweep by the Diamondbacks would even it up.
• Diamondbacks center fielder Jake McCarthy is batting .419 with a .449 on-base percentage, 31 hits, four triples, 19 RBI, .676 slugging%, and a 1.125 OPS since July 22.
• Since the start of July, third baseman Eugenio Suárez is putting up a .312/.372/.667 slash line with 12 home runs. His 12 home runs are second on the team to Ketel Marte’s 13.
• Since July 22, the Diamondbacks have five players in the Top 10 in slugging percentage. Ketel Marte (.889), Joc Pederson (.780), and Josh Bell (.753) take the top three spots, followed by Suárez (.683) and McCarthy (.676) taking seventh and eighth place respectively.
• Nelson has never faced the Rays before.
• Bell has the most history against Rays starter Ryan Pepiot, going 3-for-10 with a triple.

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Michael McDermott covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @MichaelMcDMLB