The Arizona Diamondbacks seem to have finally solved the San Diego Padres after losing the first six games of the season at home against the Padres. Arizona has won the last two, both during the current series, and goes for the sweep Thursday afternoon in weekday matinee baseball at Chase Field.
The Diamondbacks have a chance to effectively knock the Padres out of the NL wild-card chase. San Diego came to Phoenix still alive for the second spot, but two losses to the Diamondbacks have them eight games behind St. Louis while the D-backs are only 4 1/2 game behind the Cardinals.
Slugging outfielder Jason Kubel is being given Thursday off, so the D-backs (74-74) are going with the following nine against the Padres and left-hander Clayton Richard.
1. CF Adam Eaton
2. 2B Aaron Hill
3. RF Justin Upton
4. 1B Paul Goldschmidt
5. C Miguel Montero
6. 3B Chris Johnson
7. SS Cody Ransom
8. LF A.J. Pollock
9. LHP Tyler Skaggs
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