Phillies and Diamondbacks clash in wild-card push as Ketel Marte returns from turmoil
The Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks are playing a high-stakes three-game series in Phoenix this week that could shape both teams' National League wild-card hopes, with extra attention on Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte's return from a controversial absence.
High-stakes series
From Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, the Arizona Diamondbacks host the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game series at Chase Field in Phoenix, with major implications for both teams' hopes of reaching the MLB playoffs via the National League wild-card race. According to azcentral.com, heading into play on Aug. 27 the Phillies held the second NL wild-card spot, two games ahead of the San Diego Padres and three ahead of the Diamondbacks.
The Diamondbacks (73-65) arrive on a high note, having won three straight series and reclaimed the final NL wild-card position after a difficult road trip, according to the Associated Press via Yahoo Sports. The Phillies, meanwhile, are red-hot: AZ Snake Pit reports they came into the series on a four-game winning streak, having won nine straight games just before that.
Marte's return
Adding intrigue to the series is the return of Diamondbacks three-time All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte. Marte last played on Aug. 16, and, according to multiple sources, failed to show up for the team's Aug. 17 game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park — an incident that left the club scrambling. He was subsequently placed on the injured list with a knee issue. He returned to the lineup on Monday, Aug. 31, batting fourth as designated hitter, while Ildemaro Vargas remained at second base. Before the game, Marte apologized to manager Torey Lovullo, saying through an interpreter, "In that instance, I failed (Lovullo) by not showing up," and described the episode as a "moment of frustration." Yahoo Sports notes that at least one teammate anonymously voiced grievances over the episode, though veteran players reportedly are ready to move past it and focus on winning.
Pitching matchups and odds
For the first two games, the Diamondbacks are expected to start Brandon Pfaadt (7-1, 3.51 ERA) and Eduardo Rodriguez, while the Phillies counter with Aaron Nola (5-10, 5.03 ERA) and Jesus Luzardo (12-5, 3.09 ERA). Andrew Painter (3-8, 5.95 ERA) is set to start Game 3 for Philadelphia on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Sources disagree on that game's start time: AZ Snake Pit initially listed it for 6:40 p.m., while azcentral.com specifies a 12:40 p.m. first pitch. Betting site Covers.com gave the Diamondbacks a 47% win probability for the series opener against Philadelphia's 54%, noting Arizona had won 40 of 69 home games this season. Philadelphia's offense is led by Bryce Harper (27 home runs, 77 RBI) and major-league home run leader Kyle Schwarber (more than 40 homers), bolstered by trade-deadline addition Luis Arraez. The Phillies have all but secured a playoff berth and are now chasing the Atlanta Braves for the NL East division lead.
