2025-09-17 Giants at Diamondbacks Matchup Preview
This late-season clash between the Giants and Diamondbacks could have implications for playoff positioning.
Pitching Matchup
Bryce Miller will take the mound for the San Francisco Giants, facing off against Brandon Pfaadt of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Miller's repertoire features a fastball with good velocity and a slider known for its sharp movement, complemented by a changeup he uses to disrupt hitters' timing. His ability to command the strike zone effectively will be crucial against a Diamondbacks lineup that can be aggressive early in counts.
Pfaadt, on the other hand, relies on a sinker that induces ground balls, paired with a curveball that he throws for strikes and to get hitters to chase. He also has a cutter that he uses to jam right-handed hitters. His success hinges on keeping the ball down in the zone and avoiding giving up too many fly balls, especially in the potentially hitter-friendly environment of Chase Field.
Giants Hitting Approach
The San Francisco Giants offense this season has demonstrated solid ability to get on base. The Giants will need to be patient and work deep into counts against Pfaadt, forcing him to elevate his pitch count and potentially make mistakes over the plate. Specifically, the Giants will have to punish Pfaadt if he is leaving too many balls over the heart of the plate. If the Giants can do that, they will find success in this game.
The Giants' ability to draw walks has been a key component of their offensive strategy. Their focus on plate discipline will be tested by Pfaadt's command, but if they can stay selective and make him work for every out, they can create opportunities to score runs. The Giants' Left On Base Percentage of 70.2% will be a key stat to improve in this game. The team's ability to hit for extra bases will also be crucial, as generating power will be essential for driving in runners and putting pressure on the Diamondbacks' pitching staff.
Diamondbacks Hitting Approach
The Arizona Diamondbacks offense has shown to be an above-average offense in terms of Weighted On-Base Average at 0.332. The Diamondbacks will want to be aggressive early in the count against Miller, utilizing their strength in the middle of the lineup to drive the ball into the gaps. Their approach will need to focus on capitalizing on Miller's mistakes and avoiding getting behind in the count.
The Diamondbacks' success in generating a high Expected Weighted On-Base Average suggests they have been consistently putting the ball in play with good contact. This will be especially important against Miller's fastball, as they'll need to be ready to drive it the other way. The Diamondbacks Off-Base Percentage of 29.8% will be a key statistic to improve upon in this game. The Diamondbacks' overall hitting capability suggests they can put together productive innings if they stay disciplined and capitalize on their opportunities.
Bullpen Considerations
Both teams have reliable arms in their bullpens, which could be a deciding factor in a close game. The Giants' bullpen has been fairly steady this season and the Diamondbacks feature multiple late-inning options. The ability of each team's bullpen to limit damage and hold leads will be critical as the game progresses.
Prediction
This matchup features two fairly evenly matched teams, with each having offensive strengths and starting pitchers capable of controlling the game. However, the Giants' slightly better team Expected Weighted On-Base Average and the Diamondbacks' slight advantage in Left On Base Percentage could be deciding factors. Ultimately, the Giants' ability to get on base and the Diamondbacks' ability to hit for power will be key. A close, well-fought game is expected.
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