Diamondbacks Seek Revival Against Pirates After Five-Game Skid

PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to break a five-game losing streak and snap their first series sweep in over a year as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Pirates at home on Monday at 5:10 p.m. local time.

Currently holding a record of 26-27, the Diamondbacks struggled during their recent trip to St. Louis, unable to get timely hits and dealing with ongoing bullpen issues. Despite hitting in the top 10 categories in Major League Baseball, the team fell short against the Cardinals.

Ryne Nelson, who was recently shifted back to the starting rotation following an injury to teammate Eduardo Rodríguez, is expected to take the mound for the Diamondbacks. Nelson has shown promise, with a 3.23 ERA in the second half of 2024, but his current 4.60 ERA suggests inconsistency. However, he showcased potential in his last outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing just one run over five innings.

The Diamondbacks will face left-hander Andrew Heaney of the Pirates, who has been effective this season with a 2.91 ERA, although his underlying numbers suggest he could be due for a regression. The Diamondbacks have struggled against left-handed pitchers this season, making this matchup particularly crucial.

Offensively, Arizona has remained in the top ranks of multiple categories, yet they have been unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position. Star player Corbin Carroll is currently in a slump, batting only .115 over his last seven games, but maintains an impressive .903 OPS.

As they look to change their fortunes at Chase Field, the Diamondbacks are relying on their hitters, including Eugenio Suárez and Randal Grichuk, to provide the necessary support to secure a win against the Pirates, who currently hold a 19-35 record.

The Diamondbacks’ bullpen has been shaky recently, failing to secure leads in crucial innings. Justin Martinez, coming back from injury, struggled in his last performance, which only adds to the pressure on the team. Ideally, manager Torey Lovullo will have a healthy bullpen ready to assist Nelson in his start.

The stakes are high for the Diamondbacks as they attempt to regain momentum against the Pirates, who have their own offensive struggles. With the hope of turning things around, the team aims to build confidence and work toward a strong offensive performance that has eluded them in recent games.