Nolan Arenado back in D-backs’ starting lineup for series finale vs. Mariners

Third baseman Nolan Arenado is back in the starting lineup for the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday for their series finale against the Seattle Mariners.

The eight-time All-Star returns to the lineup batting cleanup after being a late scratch from Saturday’s game.

Arenado has been dealing with a groin injury since Tuesday’s game against the San Francisco Giants. The injury caused him to miss a game.

Arenado returned Friday as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning and had two plate appearances. In two at-bats, he fouled a pitch off his leg, singled and was hit by a 98-mph pitch before leaving the game.

Jose Fernandez had been starting at third base in Arenado’s absence. Fernandez is starting at first base on Sunday.

Here’s the rest of the D-backs’ starting lineup:

1. DH Ketel Marte
2. RF Corbin Carroll
3. SS Geraldo Perdomo
4. 3B Nolan Arenado
5. CF Ryan Waldschmidt
6. 2B Ildemaro Vargas
7. 1B Jose Fernandez
8. C Aramis Garcia
9. LF Tim Tawa

Arenado has had a productive May at the plate, slashing .274/.407/.479 with two home runs and 12 RBIs.

The Diamondbacks look to avoid the sweep, as the Mariners have won the first two games of the series. Merrill Kelly (5-3, 5.25 ERA) is set to take the mound for Arizona, while Bryce Miller (1-0, 2.25 ERA) starts for Seattle.

First pitch is at 1:10 p.m. MST and can be listened to on 98.7, the Arizona Sports app or online. 

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