Diamondbacks at Giants
Matt Cain’s tenuous spot in the starting rotation could be in the balance Wednesday as the San Francisco Giants host the Arizona Diamondbacks for the rubber match of their three-game series. The veteran hurler struggled in his season debut and could use a strong outing against Arizona, which rolled to a 4-1 victory on Tuesday behind Jake Lamb’s three-run triple.
Cain will be throwing to catcher Nick Hundley after Buster Posey was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list. The Giants are being cautious with Posey, who reportedly is feeling well after being hit in the head with a 94-hour fastball by Taijuan Walker in Monday’s series opener but will be monitored closely over the next few days. The surprising Diamondbacks are off to a 7-2 start under new manager Torey Lovullo and entered Tuesday’s play with a major league-leading 49 runs scored. Arizona center fielder A.J. Pollock, who was limited to 12 games last season due to injuries, turned in a stellar defensive play in Tuesday’s win and sparked the offense from the leadoff spot in the opening week but has recorded just one hit in his last 18 at-bats.
TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona, NBC Sports Bay Area Plus (San Francisco)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks RH Shelby Miller (1-0, 5.06 ERA) vs. Giants RH Matt Cain (0-0, 8.31)
After posting a dismal 3-12 record last season, Miller opened with a victory on Friday as he allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings against Cleveland. “Given what happened last year, I know that he’s very focused and energized for a positive year this year, and he deserves a lot of credit for working hard behind the scenes to make those moments happen,” Lovullo told reporters. Miller owns a 2-4 record and 3.33 ERA in eight career starts against the Giants.
Cain is owed $21 million this season, which may have factored into the team’s decision to award him the fifth spot in the rotation out of spring training. The 32-year-old escaped with a no-decision against San Diego on Friday after allowing four runs on six hits and three walks over 4 1/3 innings in the Giants’ 7-6 loss. Chris Owings is 5-for-11 with a home run against Cain, who is 14-8 with a 3.47 ERA in 37 career games (36 starts) versus the Diamondbacks.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Giants purchased the contract of C Tim Federowicz from Triple-A Sacramento to replace Posey and designated RHP Clayton Blackburn for assignment.
2. Lamb has gone 10-for-35 with two homers and 10 RBIs during his eight-game hitting streak.
3. The Diamondbacks are 14-7 against the Giants at AT&T Park since 2015.