Dodgers vs Diamondbacks Preview: Pitching Showdown On Tap

The Los Angeles Dodgers roll into Chase Field with a 38-22 record and a lineup that looks absolutely stacked. You've got Shohei Ohtani, one of baseball's greatest two-way players, leading the charge as the DH. Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman anchor the middle of the order, while Kyle Tucker and Will Smith bring serious power too. The Diamondbacks are 32-27 at home, and they know the Dodgers are coming in hot. This is the kind of matchup that gets fans on their feet. Arizona's pitching staff needs to be sharp, or Los Angeles's bats will take over the game fast.

The Diamondbacks have won their last game and sit at 19-10 at home—not too shabby. Corbin Carroll is one of the most exciting young stars in baseball, bringing speed and power to center field. Ketel Marte has been rock-solid as a three-time All-Star, consistently driving in runs. Then there's Nolan Arenado, a veteran defensive wizard who brings leadership to the corner. Arizona's rotation has some solid arms, but they need health to stay in this division race. Eduardo Rodriguez takes the mound for Arizona on Tuesday. If the D-backs can keep this game close, their speed game could create chances late.

Here's the thing about the Dodgers: their pitching staff is absolutely stacked, but injuries are piling up. Blake Snell is having surgery and won't return until mid-July. Tyler Glasnow is still recovering from back spasms and can't throw at full strength yet. That means Emmet Sheehan gets the ball Tuesday and needs to be sharp. The Diamondbacks aren't explosive offensively, so if Sheehan can keep them quiet early, the Dodgers' lineup will punish Arizona's pitchers. This game comes down to the Dodgers' ability to stay healthy and execute. Arizona has a chance if their bats stay hot and mistakes pile up.