The Arizona Diamondbacks begin a three-game homestand hosting the NL West-leading San Francisco Giants on Friday. As Arizona sits 4.5 games back in the wild card standings, and have to pass five teams to get there, every game counts. As they open the series, it appears that they will get their closer back, who did not pitch in the series against the Dodgers earlier in the week.
J.J. Putz, who had his back act up, sat out the two wins against Los Angeles, but according to manager Kirk Gibson, will probably be available for the series opener against the Giants. In both of the games he sat, David Hernandez closed in his place.
If the Diamondbacks win, it will be manager Kirk Gibson's 200th career win as a manager. He is currently in fourth place in franchise history for wins as a manager. The leaders are Bob Melvin, Bob Brenly and Buck Showalter.
Here are the starting lineups:
Giants:
- Angel Pagan, CF
- Marco Scutaro, 2B
- Pablo Sandoval, 3B
- Buster Posey, C
- Hunter Pence, RF
- Joaquin Arias, SS
- Brandon Belt, 1B
- Gregor Blanco, LF
- Matt Cain, P
Diamondbacks:
- Adam Eaton, CF
- Aaron Hill, 2B
- Jason Kubel, LF
- Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
- Miguel Montero, C
- Justin Upton, RF
- Ryan Wheeler, 3B
- John McDonald, SS
- Tyler Skaggs, P
Get more Diamondbacks coverage over at AZ Snakepit.
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