The Arizona Diamondbacks bounced back from a five-game losing streak, taking two of three in Cincinnati. Newly acquired J.D. Martinez exited his first game as a Dback early after getting hit on the hand during an AB, and Patrick Corbin had to step up on short notice after Taijuan Walker went on paternity leave, but the Snakes were able to pull out two big wins against the Reds.
Martinez Arrives
Moments before first pitch on Tuesday, the Diamondbacks announced the acquisition of outfielder J.D. Martinez from the Detroit Tigers. Martinez flew out to Cincinnati and was available to start in Wednesday’s game.
— J.D. Martinez (@JDMartinez28) July 19, 2017
Martinez exited the game in the fourth inning however, after being hit on his hand while swinging. X-rays came back negative, and Martinez was diagnosed with a left hand contusion. He is day to day.
On Wednesday, MLB insider Pedro Gomez joined Brad Cesmat on the ‘Brad Cesmat Show‘ to discuss what the Diamondbacks were getting from one of the league’s top hitters.
“This is something that those of us who live in the Valley, haven’t seen the Diamondbacks do a lot of over the course of their history,” Gomez said of the trade. “You stick J.D. Martinez behind a guy like Paul Goldschmidt and you put Jake Lamb in there and David Peralta, and all of a sudden you have a really deep lineup that’s long.”
Gomez said the trade “absolutely” sends a message to the Dbacks clubhouse about the confidence the front office has in this year’s team.
“Especially for a club like the Diamondbacks, who have not been on this side of the buying and selling,” Gomez said. “I think J.D. Martinez sends a tremendous message.”
Bats Get Poppin’
The Diamondbacks’ bats were revived in Cincinnati. Jake Lamb rediscovered his rhythm, going 4 for 13 on the series with two home runs, a double, a triple and nine RBIs. On Thursday, Lamb had two 3-run homers, posting a career high six RBIs in a game.
Jake Lamb's 3rd career multi-HR game (all have come this season). His 6 RBI today are a career-high. pic.twitter.com/qCc89wSjKo
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 20, 2017
David Peralta went 7 for 11 on the series with two doubles, a home run and three RBIs.
On Thursday, Ketel Marte and Gregor Blanco stepped up at the plate. Marte went 1 for 3 with two RBIs and Blanco went 2-3 with two RBIs in the 12-2 win.
Battle Till the End
I’ve mentioned before the resiliency of this Diamondbacks team and their will to fight until the final out. On Wednesday, after Martinez exited in the fourth, the Dbacks were down 3-1 heading into the fifth. A home run from Peralta and a double from Lamb, tied it up, but after the fifth the bats went quiet for the rest of the night.
Touch 'em all, @dperalta6! #FreightTrain pic.twitter.com/3CNeiPN8OA
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 20, 2017
In the bottom of the 11th still tied at three, Reds’ outfielder Adam Duvall singled to plate Billy Hamilton for the walk-off win.
“It’s a tough game to lose,” manager Torey Lovullo told Fox Sports Arizona on Wednesday. “I was really proud of these guys, they fought all night…Up until the final moment, I think our guys were engaged and ready to execute.”
Corbin Solid in Short Notice Start
Taijuan Walker left early Thursday morning to be with his wife in Phoenix for the birth of their child. Patrick Corbin got the start on Thursday going a solid 7 1/3 innings allowing only one run on seven hits with six strikeouts.
#Dbacks Corbin seems to have hit his stride. Has a 2.83 ERA in his last 7 games, including emergency start today. 3 ER or fewer in last 7.
— Jack Magruder (@JackMagruder) July 20, 2017
With Walker on the Paternity List, the Diamondbacks called up RHP Matt Koch from Triple-A Reno.
The Diamondbacks return home for a three game series against the Washington Nationals this weekend. Zack Godley is slated to start on Friday, Saturday’s starter is TBD and Robbie Ray is slated for Sunday.
