The Arizona Diamondbacks conclude their series at the Washington Nationals with a 10:05 am start Thursday. The game can be seen on Bally Sports Arizona.
Thursday’s Diamondbacks-Nationals pitching matchup
Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (7-3, 2.80) vs. Nationals RHP Josiah Gray (4-5, 3.09).
Kelly has been on a tear over his past seven starts, with a 2.44 ERA and striking out 10.6 batters per nine innings while walking just 2.2. After a somewhat shaky first month, he is now on track to have the best season of his career. … Last time out, Kelly struck out eight Braves and allowed just two runs in seven innings. He has worked into the seventh in four of his last six outings. … After posting a 5.02 ERA in his first full major league season last year, Gray has been much improved on the surface this year. His peripherals aren’t as encouraging. The right-hander, who Washington received in the trade that sent Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to the Dodgers, is striking out 1.9 fewer batters per nine and walking 0.4 more batters per nine than he did last year. … Gray struggled a bit against the Phillies in his last start, allowing four runs in 5 1/3 innings. … He mostly throws a four-seamer, a slider and a curveball. The slider is his best pitch, while hitters have been successful against the four-seamer.
Wednesday game recap: Ketel Marte’s big game ignites Diamondbacks in win over Nationals
Coming upFriday: At Detroit, 3:40 pm, Diamondbacks RHP Ryne Nelson (2-3, 5.40) vs. Tigers RHP Michael Lorenzen (2-2, 3.21).
Saturday: At Detroit, 10:10 am, Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (7-2, 2.75) vs. Tigers LHP Matthew Boyd (3-4, 5.57).
Sunday: At Detroit, 8:35 am, Diamondbacks LHP Tommy Henry (3-1, 4.37) vs. Tigers LHP Joey Wentz (1-6, 7.49).
Diamondbacks-Nationals early reading
‘Not all that surprised:’Diamondbacks rookie Corbin Carroll exceeding expectations
‘They stuck with me’: Torey Lovullo thankful for another year with Diamondbacks
Vested interest: Diamondbacks’ Lourdes Gurriel Jr. having fun with a post-game fashion statement for teammates
On the run again: Diamondbacks renewed interest in running game with Jake McCarthy’s return
Rising stock: Diamondbacks exceeding even their own expectations in rapid climb to contention
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks-Nationals pitching matchups, updates for Thursday’s game