MLB Game Preview: Tampa Bay Rays (9-14) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (14-9)

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The Tampa Bay Rays (9-14) and Arizona Diamondbacks (14-9) are set to face off in the second game of their three-game series on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks claimed a 5-1 victory in the series opener, showcasing their offensive depth and strong pitching. The Rays will look to bounce back and end their four-game road losing streak, while the Diamondbacks aim to continue their dominance at home.

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Game Details

  • Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
  • Time: 9:40 PM ET
  • Venue: Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
  • TV Broadcast: Bally Sports Arizona, Bally Sports Sun

Team Overview & Key Players

Arizona Diamondbacks (14-9, 2nd in NL West)

The Diamondbacks have been strong offensively, ranking third in MLB with a .446 slugging percentage and seventh in home runs (32). Their pitching staff has been solid, with Brandon Pfaadt leading the way.

Key Players

  • Corbin Carroll (OF): Leads the Diamondbacks with seven home runs, slugging .645.
  • Josh Naylor (1B): Has been productive, going 15-for-41 with four home runs and nine RBIs over the last 10 games.
  • Brandon Pfaadt (SP): Set to start; holds a 3-1 record with a 3.04 ERA, ranking 30th in MLB in ERA.

Tampa Bay Rays (9-14, 5th in AL East)

The Rays have struggled on the road, going 0-4 away from home this season. Their offense has been middle-of-the-pack, ranking 10th in MLB with a .399 slugging percentage and 19th in home runs (21).

Key Players

  • Junior Caminero (3B): Leads the Rays with five home runs, slugging .500.
  • Jonathan Aranda (INF): Has been 11-for-32 with three home runs and nine RBIs over the last 10 games.
  • Zack Littell (SP): Set to start; holds a 0-4 record with a 5.48 ERA, looking to bounce back.

Game 2 Pitching Matchup

PitcherTeamRecordERALast Start
Brandon PfaadtDiamondbacks3-13.045.2 IP, 1 ER vs. Marlins
Zack LittellRays0-45.486.0 IP, 1 ER vs. Red Sox

Pfaadt has been consistent, averaging 5.8 innings per outing, while Littell is looking to bounce back after a tough start to the season.

Game Outlook & Predictions

  • Diamondbacks’ Strategy: Expect Arizona to rely on power hitting, with Carroll and Naylor leading the charge.
  • Rays’ Adjustments: Tampa Bay must capitalize on scoring opportunities and limit strikeouts against Pfaadt.
  • X-Factor: Corbin Carroll’s ability to drive in runs could be the difference-maker.

Game Odds

Tampa Bay Rays                                9

Arizona Diamondbacks                 – 166

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, April 22, 2025