2025-07-26 Diamondbacks at Pirates Matchup Preview

Pitching Matchup: Merrill Kelly vs. Andrew Heaney

The Arizona Diamondbacks will send Merrill Kelly to the mound, while the Pittsburgh Pirates will counter with Andrew Heaney. Kelly's repertoire includes a fastball with solid velocity, complemented by a changeup known for its effectiveness in generating weak contact. He also features a curveball, relying on its movement to disrupt hitters' timing. Heaney, on the other hand, brings a different style, featuring a fastball and a slider that he uses effectively to induce swings and misses. His ability to locate pitches within the strike zone will be key to his success in this matchup.

Diamondbacks' Offensive Outlook

The Diamondbacks enter this game with a team of hitters averaging around 29 years of age, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Their lineup is designed to be a consistent threat, as measured by their team weighted on-base average that demonstrates an ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities. The Diamondbacks success in generating runs is partially due to their ability to get players in scoring position at a solid percentage rate, providing crucial opportunities for their power hitters to drive in runs. Their lineup will pose a significant challenge to Heaney.

Pirates' Offensive Outlook

The Pirates' offense, on average comprised of 28-year-olds, is focused on improving its production and being an above-average offensive team. As demonstrated by their weighted on-base average, the Pirates will need to focus on getting runners on base to be successful. To put up runs against a crafty veteran like Kelly, the Pirates will need to increase their percentage of runners in scoring position, to make him pay and force him into mistakes.

Key Matchups and Game Strategy

One key to the Diamondbacks' success will be their ability to hit Heaney's slider. If they can lay off the slider when it's out of the strike zone and attack it when it's in the zone, they can put together some big innings. The Pirates' success will rely on their ability to manufacture runs and capitalize on scoring opportunities. They will need to be aggressive on the basepaths and take advantage of any mistakes that Kelly makes. Both teams must be disciplined at the plate and patient.

Prediction

Given the Diamondbacks' slightly more consistent offensive metrics and Kelly's veteran presence on the mound, Arizona appears to have a slight edge. They will need to hit Heaney hard and create opportunities to score and make him pay. If the Pirates fail to get on base consistently, it is hard to imagine them putting up enough runs to win the game against a Diamondbacks club that is hungry for a victory. The Diamondbacks should win a close, low-scoring contest.

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