Reds vs. Diamondbacks: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

The D-backs have struggled out of the gate.

As if losing five of your first seven contests wasn’t enough of a concern, the Diamondbacks have now lost their best player to injury. Centerfielder and former All-Star Ketel Marte left Wednesday’s game in Denver against the Rockies with a right hamstring strain. As a result, he was placed on the 10-days IL yesterday, but a much longer absence is likely.

For an offense that’s struggled to score runs, this is the worst news possible. The D-backs have scored just 25 runs through their first seven games and have scored three runs or less five times while being shutout twice.

The struggle is real, at least at the plate, for Arizona’s starting middle infielders. Second baseman Eduardo Escobar and shortstop Josh Rojas are a combined 4-for-46 at the dish. Former Redleg Josh VanMeter, acquired by the Dbacks in the Archie Bradley deal, has collected two hits in 10 at-bats.

Unfortunately for Arizona fans, the starting rotation has added plenty of misery through the first week. Over 33.2 innings, D-backs starters have allowed 26 earned runs and surrendered eight home runs. However, the bullpen has been a bright spot; tossing 28.1 frames, they have only given up 23 hits while allowing just 11 runs. Right-hander Kevin Ginkel has yet to yield a run.

Expect to see Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell load up on left-handed bats this weekend. Lefties are crushing Diamondbacks pitching. Entering play Thursday, lefties were slashing a staggering .338/.436/.800 in 62 at-bats versus Arizona pitching.