Diamondbacks Vs. Reds Series Preview, Game Times, Pitching Probables And More

The Arizona Diamondbacks hope to recover from the blow dealt to their postseason hopes, being swept in three games over the weekend by the San Diego Padres, when they open a three-game series against the NL Central-leading Cincinnati Reds Monday night in Phoenix.

The Diamondbacks have committed to a young starting rotation to get them where they want to be, and on Monday Arizona turns to recently-debuted Tyler Skaggs, 21, who faces veteran Bronson Arroyo. The Diamondbacks (64-64) are 5-5 in their last 10 games but are seven games out of first place in the NL West and five out of second.

The Diamondbacks are 6 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot in the NL, so every series is critical. The Reds (77-52) are moving toward locking up their division and wins will soon trigger the "magic numbers" for teams trying to catch them.

Skaggs is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA, Arroyo 10-7 with a 3.87 ERA. In fact, the Reds' three starters for the series are all 10-game winners -- Arroyo, Johnny Cueto (16-6, 2.47) and Mat Latos (10-4, 3.84). The Diamondbacks counter with Skaggs, All-Star Wade Miley (14-8, 2.80 ERA) and another youngster, Patrick Corbin (5-5, 3.91) on Wednesday afternoon.

All games can be seen live on Fox Sports Arizona, Monday and Tuesday at 6:40 p.m. and Wednesday at 12:40 p.m. PT.

For more on the Diamondbacks, head over to AZ Snake Pit.