With wins in four of their past five games, the Arizona Diamondbacks have rediscovered their stride entering Tuesday’s visit to the Chicago White Sox.
But the news that came out after the 10-0 rout in the series opener is going to make maintaining that stride much more difficult.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said that star outfielder Corbin Carroll has a chip fracture in his left wrist.
Carroll, who will be placed on the injured list, sustained the injury when he was hit by a pitch last Wednesday and has not played since.
“That’s still a little bit confusing to all of us,” Lovullo said of the injury, which was not detected by X-rays the night Carroll was hit. “It’s on the back of his hand; the impact of the ball hit the side of his hand. Just goes to show you how hard these guys are throwing.”
And during Monday’s game, third baseman Eugenio Suarez (right hand contusion) and first baseman Josh Naylor (left shoulder soreness) both left the game early, though both are listed as day-to-day.
Despite the injuries, the Diamondbacks offense did plenty of damage as Pavin Smith belted two home runs, including the second leg of back-to-backs with Ketel Marte as the Diamondbacks improved to 18-7 all-time against the White Sox.
Chicago lost for the 10th time in 12 games as rookie right-hander Shane Smith allowed five runs in two innings in the shortest start of his career. But a resilient relief corps allowed Chicago to stay optimistic about its pitching for the rest of the series.
“We’re actually in a good spot,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “Our bullpen did a great job. … In these games where you’re behind big, it’s really good for your bullpen to come in and eat innings.”
Arizona needed only two pitchers. Starter Eduardo Rodriguez limited Chicago to five hits in six innings. Although the White Sox got leadoff doubles from Edgar Quero (second inning) and Kyle Teel (fifth), the team was unable to capitalize in being shut out for the sixth time this season.
White Sox right-hander Jordan Leasure (2-4, 4.23 ERA), who got the win in relief in Toronto on Sunday, will make the first start of his career as the opener of the middle game of the set.
Leasure, who has never faced Arizona, has made 32 appearances this season, with his longest outing lasting 1 2/3 innings (twice). He’s won his last two decisions and has not suffered a loss since May 25.
Righty Ryne Nelson (4-2, 3.88) is set to start for Arizona. Nelson is trying to win his third successive start after defeating the host Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, spacing one run and one hit in 5 2/3 innings. He had two walks, one hit batsman and four strikeouts.
Nelson has shined against the White Sox in his career. He’s 2-0 with a 0.84 ERA in two appearances, including one start, with 12 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings.
–Field Level Media
