Merrill Kelly faces Mitch Keller as the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Pittsburgh Pirates, with both teams on the trade deadline bubble today.
Published
Source: Fox News
We had just one play on the diamond last night, and it was a no-sweat win, just how we like them. The Phillies trounced the Yankees, and it happened pretty early in the game, so we were able to coast to victory. I am hoping this is the same situation today, but I'm guessing my play for today's game will not come as easily. Let's break down this game between the Diamondbacks and Pirates. I've been reading a lot right now about the trade deadline and what could potentially happen.
Most of it never comes to fruition, but it is still fun to explore what analysts think will happen. One of the teams that is on the bubble of being a buyer and a seller is the Arizona Diamondbacks. There has been a rumor for about a year about them trading Ketel Marte, but this team is also 55-51 for the year. They could add a bat and make a splash for their offense, much like they did a couple of years ago.
Last year they were sellers, and they traded away one of their mainstays in the rotation, Merrill Kelly. He toes the rubber tonight for the Diamondbacks. For the year, Kelly is 8-8 with a 5.12 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP, not exactly numbers that will lead to a major return should they try to flip him again. He has been slightly better on the road with a 4.28 ERA. He also has been solid in July, putting together his best month of the season.
He has thrown 22 innings and allowed just six earned runs. Most of his problem has been the home run ball because he has allowed one in each start this month.