San Diego Padres vs Arizona Diamondbacks Picks and Predictions June 9th 2024

Padres Aim for Series Win vs. Diamondbacks Amid Offensive Explosion and Machado’s Possible Return

The San Diego Padres are set on winning the series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, even as they wait for their star third baseman, Manny Machado, to bounce back from a hip flexor strain. Although Machado has been on the bench since Wednesday, there’s hope he can dodge the injured list and get back in the game soon.

Recent Offensive Explosion

The Padres’ offense has been on fire, even without Machado. After a close 4-3 loss in the series opener on Thursday, San Diego roared back with huge wins on Friday (10-3) and Saturday (13-1). They racked up 14 hits in each game, with standout performances from Ha-Seong Kim and Jake Cronenworth, both smashing three-run homers.

Machado’s Potential Return

Everyone’s eager for Machado to return. During Saturday’s batting practice, he looked great, hitting three home runs in a row. However, manager Mike Shildt stressed the importance of not rushing things and risking further injury.

“It’s a complete balancing act,” Shildt said. “We need to figure out if you can go ahead in a major league game and do all the things that are required and all the movements, but you don’t want to aggravate it.”

If Machado does come back, he might take on the role of designated hitter, with Donovan Solano or Tyler Wade covering third base.

Pitching Matchup Preview

Rookie Adam Mazur (0-0, 1.50 ERA) is set to pitch for the Padres in the series finale. Mazur shined in his major-league debut, giving up just one run on two hits over six innings. The Diamondbacks will counter with Scott McGough (1-3, 6.35 ERA), who will be stepping in as an opener due to a stretched-thin starting rotation.

Diamondbacks’ Injury Woes

The Diamondbacks have had a rough patch, losing four of their last six games, and injuries haven’t helped. Second baseman Ketel Marte is dealing with a back injury, and catcher Gabriel Moreno is out sick. Marte might be back for Sunday’s game, but Moreno’s status is still up in the air.

Series Context and Goals

San Diego is gunning to get back above the .500 mark with a series win. The Padres have the upper hand in the season series against the Diamondbacks, leading 4-2 and outscoring them 50-21. Meanwhile, Arizona is looking to split the four-game series and turn their luck around.