The Milwaukee Brewers are set to face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night in a highly anticipated three-game series that might just serve as a preview for the National League Playoffs. Currently occupying the top spot in the NL Central Division, the Brewers are pushing hard for another division title. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are in a close race with the San Diego Padres for the leading wildcard position in the National League, aiming to defend their championship from last year. Fans can look forward to a thrilling pitching duel as Brewers’ right-hander Tobias Myers (7-5, 2.93) takes on the Diamondbacks’ lefty Eduardo Rodriguez (2-2, 5.83). The game is scheduled to start at 9:40 PM EST.
Brewers Seek Momentum with Myers on the Mound
The Milwaukee Brewers head to Arizona with a comfortable but not unassailable lead in the NL Central Division, having just 16 games remaining in the regular season. However, their recent form has raised some eyebrows, as they have lost three out of their last five contests, including a lopsided 13-2 defeat against the Giants in San Francisco on Wednesday. Starter Colin Rea struggled mightily, giving up 11 hits and 10 runs in just four innings. With Rea having pitched more innings this season than in his previous career, the Brewers are keen to bolster their pitching rotation ahead of the playoffs.
*This article was prepared prior to the conclusion of Thursday night’s game.
The Brewers will rely on the impressive rookie Tobias Myers in the series opener against the Diamondbacks. Myers has emerged as a pleasant surprise this season, boasting a solid record of 7-5 across 22 appearances, including seven quality starts. He carries an ERA of 2.93 and a WHIP of 1.16. Over 120 innings, he has allowed 106 hits while striking out 112 and walking 33 batters, although he has surrendered 17 home runs this season. In his most recent outing, Myers showcased his talent in a 5-2 victory over Colorado, where he allowed just four hits in six innings while striking out 11 batters.
Key Injuries: RP Rob Zastryzny, RP Enoli Paredes, 3B Oliver Dunn, RP Nick Mears, and RP Bryse Wilson are sidelined.
Diamondbacks Rely on Rodriguez for Key Matchup
The Arizona Diamondbacks are rapidly closing in on a playoff spot in the National League, building off an impressive second half of the season. As they enter this weekend series, they find themselves locked in a tight battle with the Padres for the top wildcard position. The Diamondbacks have won three consecutive games, highlighted by a dominant 14-4 victory over the Rangers on Wednesday, completing a two-game sweep in a rematch of last year’s World Series. Ketel Marte shone in that game, hitting a home run and driving in four runs, while Eugenio Suarez continued his hot streak with two home runs.
The Diamondbacks will counter with veteran lefty Eduardo Rodriguez in the opening game against the Brewers. Rodriguez, who has made only six starts this season due to injury, has a record of 2-2 with an ERA of 5.83 and a WHIP of 1.53. He has given up 35 hits in 29.1 innings with 18 strikeouts and 10 walks, allowing four home runs. In his last outing, he suffered a loss against the Astros, yielding seven hits and four runs in four innings.
Key Injuries: C Gabriel Moreno, RP Bryce Jarvis, and RP Drey Jameson are unavailable.
Betting Insights for Brewers vs. Diamondbacks
The Brewers enter this series eager to solidify their position atop the NL Central Division. Securing an early clinch will allow them to rest key pitchers like Rea and Myers, both of whom have exceeded their career innings. Although Myers has faced challenges, losing three of his last five starts, his performance against the Rockies indicates a potential turnaround. He struck out 11 batters in that game and is now set to face Rodriguez, who has struggled since returning from the injured list. Rodriguez’s recent performance has seen his strikeout rate decrease, forcing him to rely more on contact pitching. Given this trend, the Brewers are likely to capitalize on Rodriguez’s vulnerabilities while Myers should effectively manage the Diamondbacks’ lineup until he can hand off to the Brewers’ strong bullpen.
Take Milwaukee on the money line.
