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.