The Diamondbacks have won six of their last seven games to pull to 51-48, 11.5 games out of first place behind the Dodgers. But the Athletics present a problem for the Diamondbacks because they're playing their worst possible baseball right now, and that's just the type of team that gives the Diamondbacks trouble. Over the last 30 days, the Athletics have been the worst team in baseball, with a 4-19 record, the highest ERA at 6.74, and the most home runs allowed (45). Left-hander Mitch Bratt makes his third career start for the Diamondbacks, and his last one went well as he beat the Dodgers. The Athletics come with Jeffrey Springs, who's good for about six runs given up. Diamondbacks to win.
The Athletics have lost 11 of 12, getting outscored 97-42 in that span. A's lefty Jeffrey Springs has an ERA above 10.00 since the start of June. He has given up an MLB-high 26 homers -- including 19 in his last 10 starts. The surging Diamondbacks, who erased a seven-run deficit to win 8-7 Sunday over the Cardinals, rank fourth in OPS against southpaws (.769). They also should tee off against an A's bullpen carrying a 5.51 ERA.
Smith entered as a pinch hitter and hit a walk-off, two-run home run in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Yankees.
Carroll batted fifth and went 0-for-2 with a walk and an RBI in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Yankees.
Walton went 3-for-3 with a home run, four RBI and a stolen base in Saturdays' 12-6 loss to the Guardians.
Carroll batted seventh in Friday's game agaisnt the Yankees because of a recent slump, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports.
Carroll went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run and a double in Friday's 9-2 loss to the Yankees.
Rodriguez (15-7) allowed seven runs on five hits and four walks while striking out five over 5.1 innings to take the loss versus the Yankees on Friday.
Gelof went 1-for-4 with a three-run home run during the Athletics' 5-3 loss to the Guardians on Friday.
Barnett did not factor into Friday's decision against Cleveland, allowing three runs on seven hits and four walks while striking out four across 3.1 innings.
Lawlar is not in the lineup for Friday's matchup against the Yankees.
The Athletics optioned Rock to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday.
