Sep 22, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zac Gallen (23) celebrates at the end of the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Diamondbacks and Padres continue their three-game series today and we’ve got a fantastic pitching matchup in store. Two Cy Young contenders, Zac Gallen and Yu Darvish, square off hoping to set the tone early in the year.
Arizona is expected to take a step forward this year and Gallen is a huge reason why, though he struggled in his first start in giving up five runs in just 4.2 innings.
Darvish is a trendy pick to win the Cy Young and will be making his first start today. Does value lie with the Padres as short home favorites or can Gallen shut down a high-powered Padres attack?
Let’s check out the odds before jumping into my best bet for the matchup.
Diamondbacks vs. Padres Odds, Spread, and Total
Diamondbacks vs. Padres Prediction and Pick
Gallen got roughed up in his first start against the Dodgers, but his 2.15 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) implies he was unlucky. I think he bounces back today and there are a number of reasons to believe he’s due for a huge year.
Over his final fifteen starts last season, Gallen allowed three or fewer runs every single time. He only allowed three runs three times, so he held his opponent to two or fewer a dozen times in that stretch. The guy is a bonafide stud and I’ll look to back him as an underdog whenever I have the opportunity.
Darvish is a great pitcher as well, but his 3.58 expected FIP last season was considerably worse than Gallen’s 3.31 mark, and he’s got a 4.11 ERA in his last seven starts against the Diamondbacks.
Back Arizona to pick up a road win behind a stellar performance from Gallen as Darvish takes some time to get ramped up for the year.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.