The Arizona Diamondbacks have been on a hot streak, winning 18 of their last 23 games, but injuries are becoming a growing concern. All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte is expected to miss their game against the Colorado Rockies in Phoenix on Tuesday night. He will undergo a precautionary MRI after aggravating a left ankle injury during a swing in the first inning of Monday’s game. The injury initially occurred on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo mentioned that Marte experienced some discomfort and re-aggravated the initial injury, which is located above the ankle in the joint area, not the knee.
The Diamondbacks are hopeful that left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. will return to the lineup after missing Monday’s game due to left hamstring tightness. However, first baseman Christian Walker (oblique) and catcher Gabriel Moreno (left adductor strain) are expected to be out for several weeks. The Diamondbacks began the series against Colorado by overcoming a three-run deficit to win 5-4. Jake McCarthy contributed two hits and two RBIs, helping Arizona achieve their fourth consecutive win and move to a season-high 14 games above .500.
For the Rockies, Brendan Rodgers hit a two-run homer, extending his hitting streak to seven games with a .423 average (11-for-26). Tuesday’s game will feature a pitching duel between Arizona’s Eduardo Rodriguez (1-0, 4.76 ERA) and Colorado’s Austin Gomber (3-8, 4.92 ERA), both left-handers. Rodriguez will make his second start of the season after recovering from a left shoulder strain. He signed a four-year deal with Arizona in December and had a solid debut last Wednesday, allowing three runs on four hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 5-3 victory against the Cleveland Guardians. Rodriguez expressed his excitement about returning and contributing to the team’s success after missing most of the season.
On the other hand, Gomber is looking to improve after giving up five runs in three innings during a 9-1 loss to the New York Mets on Thursday. He mentioned that he felt physically good recently but struggled with his pitches in the last game. Gomber is 3-0 with a 5.29 ERA in 12 career games (eight starts) against Arizona.
Colorado’s right-hander Cal Quantrill was initially scheduled to pitch during the series, but his start was delayed due to right forearm soreness experienced against the San Diego Padres on August 4. Quantrill expressed disappointment about missing a start but emphasized that the issue is minor and that he is improving. The Rockies plan for Quantrill to start on Friday against San Diego.
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