Arizona Diamondbacks (58-56) @ St. Louis Cardinals (62-50)
The Diamondbacks lost 2 out of 3 in Washington over the weekend, after we split last week’s 4-game series with them in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks come to St. Louis trailing second-place San Diego by eight games for the N.L. wild card spot.
August 9, 2021: OFF
Texas is still interested in the Wacha for Snider trade, but I am not ready. I like Snider, but I may need Wacha down the stretch if rookie Gerald Thompson struggles.
August 10, 2021: G113 (63-50, 1st, +5.5G)
Star: STL SP Jake Odorizzi 9 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 10 K, career shutout #5
Odorizzi rings up his second one-hitter of the season.
This was a big-time pitcher’s duel before Agreste ran out of gas.
Sano’s eighth-inning grand slam came off reliever Jake Thompson.
Arizona left-hander Todd Agreste really impressed me in this game. That’s a guy that could be in your rotation for years to come. Agreste is 26 years old and in his second season. He is 19-13 lifetime with a 2.97 ERA, and he has 301 Ks in 285 career innings.
CF Albert Almora came off the field in pain after catching a deep line drive for the final out of the game. He already has a sore hand, but this might be different. The diagnosis is pending. The deal for Texas outfielder Chris Snider might be back on the front burner.
August 11, 2021: G114 (63-51, 1st, +5.5G)
Star: ARI RF Drew Vettleson 4-4, HR, 2 RBI
August 12, 2021: G115 (63-52, 1st, +4.5G)
Star: ARI SP Tom Klein 9 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Albert Almora has been diagnosed with a shoulder subluxation that will sideline him for a week. It’s a nuisance, but not bad enough to spur a reckless trade for a replacement.
Minnesota’s Rookie of the Year candidate CF Olaf Oerlemans (.299-7-40) is out for the year with torn ankle ligaments.
Los Angeles Angels C Zach Wright signed a four-year contract extension worth $60 million. Jorge Alfaro’s extension was five years, $70 million. Wright is a 3 WAR player over his career; Alfaro averages 4 WAR.