D-backs’ Robbie Ray to start Game 2 of NLDS, Zack Greinke to start Game 3
Oct 6, 2017, 5:02 PM | Updated: 8:38 pm
(AP Photos)
(AP Photos)
Prior to Game 1 of the National League Division Series, Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo announced the starters for Games 2 and 3 of the NLDS.
Robbie Ray will go in Game 2 while Zack Greinke is up for Game 3.
Ray has been outstanding against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017. In five starts this season, Ray is 3-0 with a 2.27 ERA. Over those 31.2 innings, Ray has struck out 53 Dodgers, good for 15.1 strikeouts per nine innings, three full punch-outs ahead of his season average.
The 26-year-old left-hander has been the second ace of the team, posting a 15-5 record on the season with a rotation-best 2.89 ERA.
Ray was expected to be the starter in Game 1 if he was not used in a relief role in the NL Wild Card Game, but he was in fact used after Greinke failed to pitch past the fourth inning on Wednesday. Ray went 2.1 innings, allowing one earned run and two hits
Saturday will be Ray’s first career playoff start.
Speaking of Greinke, he went 3.2 innings Wednesday, allowing four runs (all earned), six hits and a walk, striking out one.
In four starts this season against his former team, Greinke was 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA. He has a 3.92 ERA and is 3-3 in 10 career playoff starts.
He will be looking to get back to his regular season form at home after a disappointing outing against the Rockies. At Chase Field, he was 13-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 2017.
The starter for Game 4 was not announced.
Tune in to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station, your exclusive home for Arizona Diamondbacks playoff baseball.
