Chi. Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks Picks and Predictions July 21st 2024

Diamondbacks’ Brandon Pfaadt Finding Right Mix of Pitches, Takes on Cubs

As the Arizona Diamondbacks look to complete a three-game sweep against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday afternoon, they’ll rely on the confident arm of right-hander Brandon Pfaadt. Pfaadt’s recent performances have been impressive, and he aims to continue his streak of success.

Brandon Pfaadt’s Recent Performance

Key Stats and Strategy

Brandon Pfaadt (4-6, 3.97 ERA):

• Latest Outing: Pfaadt is coming off six shutout innings against the Atlanta Braves, contributing to a 1-0 win on July 11.
• Velocity and Effectiveness: His recent performance was bolstered by encouraging velocity, which made his off-speed pitches more effective. He allowed three hits, struck out four, and didn’t walk a batter.
• Recent Form: Over his past three outings, Pfaadt has posted a stellar 1.10 ERA over 16 1/3 innings.

Pfaadt’s success has been attributed to mixing in the sinker with his four-seam fastball and using the slider effectively off those pitches. “Mixing in the sinker with the four-seam (fastball) definitely has been playing very well,” Pfaadt said, “and then, obviously, using the slider off that.”

Mindset and Approach

Pfaadt has emphasized the importance of being aggressive in the strike zone and not nibbling at the edges. “That’s the goal going out every time,” he said. “I think we’ve been doing that. It’s just that part of the season where it’s starting to feel good, and the ball is coming out good.”

Previous Encounters

Pfaadt faced the Cubs on April 17, taking a loss after allowing three runs (two earned) and six hits over seven innings in a 5-3 defeat. In his career, Pfaadt is 1-1 with a 2.95 ERA in three appearances (including two starts) against Chicago.

Cubs’ Counter with Shota Imanaga

Shota Imanaga’s Season Highlights

Shota Imanaga (8-2, 2.97 ERA):

• All-Star Performance: Imanaga threw a scoreless inning in the All-Star Game on Tuesday.
• Final Pre-Break Start: Tossed six scoreless innings in a 4-0 win against the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles on July 10.

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde praised Imanaga: “Give Imanaga credit. I thought he was excellent. Three balls were really barreled up — two flew out to the wall and one went off the wall. We didn’t do a ton besides that. I was really impressed.”

Mindset and Approach

Imanaga, a native of Japan, focuses on winning each start to help the team. “The days that I start, I’m going out there to win, help the team win,” he said through his interpreter. “But that’s only one win for one outing. It’s not five or 10. So I think what’s important (for our team) is to focus on each day and just get the wins, stacking up the wins and then don’t think too far in the future.”

The Cubs have a strong record of 13-4 on days Imanaga has pitched. He is one of three Cubs pitchers with at least 97 innings and no more than 16 walks before the All-Star break, joining Jon Lieber (2002) and Dennis Eckersley (1985).

Catcher Miguel Amaya: “He’s humble. He’s a nice guy. He’s funny. But when it’s business time, he’s out there doing his job. That’s why he’s an All-Star for us.”

Historical Context

Imanaga has never faced the Diamondbacks, adding an element of unpredictability to the matchup.

Game Implications

The Diamondbacks aim to complete a sweep and continue their strong form, relying on Pfaadt’s recent consistency and effective pitch mix. For the Cubs, Imanaga’s impressive season and All-Star credentials will be crucial as they seek to avoid a sweep and bounce back from recent losses.

Conclusion

As the Diamondbacks and Cubs face off in the series finale, both teams will rely heavily on their starting pitchers. Brandon Pfaadt looks to continue his recent success, while Shota Imanaga aims to extend his strong season. This game promises to be a competitive and intriguing matchup with significant implications for both teams.