D-backs Rotation SHAKE-UP! Can They Catch the Cardinals?

By: Analia Gómez Published On: 18/07/2025

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are shaking things up as they head into the second half of the season, rearranging their starting pitching rotation in an attempt to gain ground in the National League Wild Card race. Manager Torey Lovullo has made strategic changes based on upcoming matchups, hoping to give the D-backs an edge.

Rotation Changes and Matchups

Brandon Pfaadt will kick off the series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, followed by Ryne Nelson on Saturday, and Merrill Kelly closing out the series on Sunday. Zac Gallen will start Monday's game against the Houston Astros, with Eduardo Rodriguez rounding out the rotation. Lovullo emphasized that these changes were carefully considered, taking into account the Cardinals and Astros matchups.

Cardinals' Probable Starters

The Cardinals are expected to counter with right-handers Andre Pallante, Sonny Gray, and Miles Mikolas at Chase Field. St. Louis is currently 1.5 games behind the third National League Wild Card spot, while Arizona trails by four games.

D-backs Aim to Reset and Make a Run

After being swept by the Cardinals earlier in the season, the Diamondbacks are looking to turn things around. Pfaadt expressed optimism, stating, "I think we kind of take an All-Star break as a reset... We have the talent in this locker room to make a run and make those 5.5 games up."

Can the Diamondbacks Overcome Pitching Woes?

While the D-backs' offense has been strong, their pitching hasn't quite lived up to expectations. They're allowing almost one more earned run per game than the Cardinals. The changes to the rotation are aimed at improving their pitching performance and ultimately, their chances of making a playoff push.