The Brewers have a chance to win their second series in a row and their first of July this evening in Arizona as they take on the Diamondbacks.
After a late night yesterday with over eight innings thrown by the Brewers bullpen, they’ll lean on Brandon Woodruff to provide them with rest. Woodruff will be making his third start on the mound since returning from the injured list and his ninth overall on the season. Since returning, Woodruff has thrown 11 2/3 innings, giving up just two hits, no runs, and striking out 16. That brings his season total to a 2.59 ERA with 41 strikeouts.
Tonight’s start will be Woodruff’s ninth against the Diamondbacks in his career. Most recently, he was sent to the injured list after he completed 1 1/3 innings at the end of April. Overall, he has been up and down throughout the course of his career against the Diamondbacks, posting a 4.65 ERA with 51 strikeouts.
Pressure on getting long outings from the starting pitching was just increased as right-handed pitcher Joel Kuhnel was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right shoulder injury, retroactive to July 3. Craig Yoho was recalled from Nashville. In five games this season with the Brewers, Yoho has a 6.00 ERA in six innings pitched with eight strikeouts.
For the Diamondbacks, Merrill Kelly will be handed the ball to make his 15th start of the season. He’s been in the midst of his worst season up to this point in his career as he enters tonight with a 5.84 ERA, having allowed 18 home runs, 33 walks, and only striking out 33. He finished the month of June with a 7.31 ERA, including a five-run outing against the Tampa Bay Rays his last time out.
Lifetime against the Brewers, Kelly has been successful, posting a 3.41 ERA in 11 games. However, in his last outing against the Brewers in April, he gave up five runs on six hits and five walks.
Both of these lineups have faced both teams’ starting pitcher. For the Brewers, Sal Frelick and Brice Turang have witnessed the most success against Kelly, as they hope to replicate what they did in Milwaukee back in April tonight.
You’ll be able to listen to tonight’s game on the Brewers Radio Network on WTMJ 620 while being able to watch it on Brewers.TV. First pitch will be another late one as it’s slated for 8:40 p.m.
