Lead-off Pavin Smith: D-backs shake up lineup with no Corbin Carroll, Christian Walker at Brewers

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ lineup on Sunday against the Brewers had a few quirks with multiple starters on the bench, including Pavin Smith taking over the lead-off spot against Milwaukee right-hander Frankie Montas.

Smith will start in right field, as Corbin Carroll was out of the batting order for the first time since Aug. 17. First baseman Christian Walker was also absent from the starting nine, giving way for Josh Bell to make his first start in a week.

Bell slid into the six-hole with left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. taking over Walker’s typical clean-up spot.

With Jordan Montgomery on the mound, the D-backs will play for a four-game series sweep of the NL Central-winning Brewers having outscored Milwaukee 17-5 over the first three games. The D-backs have won four straight games against Milwaukee going back to last weekend.

Arizona, which entered Sunday in the second NL Wild Card spot, came into the series finale with a magic number of five. The Diamondbacks have seven games to play and a three-game lead over the Atlanta Braves on the outside looking into the playoff picture.

Smith has been one of Arizona’s hottest hitters this month with a 1.179 OPS in 59 plate appearances in September. Manager Torey Lovullo told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo on Friday the club wanted to find ways to keep him involved despite Gurriel’s return from the injured list (calf).

Carroll went 0-for-2 in Saturday’s 5-0 victory, but he walked three times and stole three bases to eclipse 30 on the season. Walker is 0-for-10 over the past two games and receives a breather.

Diamondbacks’ lineup vs. Brewers

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— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 22, 2024

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