Arizona Diamondbacks Daily: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. obtains U.S. citizenship
The Arizona Diamondbacks continue the current homestand with a 3-game series against the Miami Marlins. Monday’s game is at 6:40 p.m. and can be seen on Bally Sports Arizona.
The balloons at Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s locker in the Diamondbacks clubhouse were there to congratulate the native of Cuba on obtaining his U.S. citizenship Monday.
Gurriel was not in the lineup for Arizona Monday against his brother Yuli and the Miami Marlins. He was excused from all pregame activity to finish the citizenship process.
“Pretty amazing accomplishment for him. We’re certainly proud of him,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said.
Gurriel has three home runs in his last two games, Saturday and Sunday. He is 8 for 11 with four home runs, six runs batted in and four walks in his last three games.
Gurriel was expected to be with the team by game time and be available off the bench. Dominic Fletcher played left field in his place Monday.
—Jose M. Romero
Monday’s Diamondbacks-Marlins pitchers
Marlins at Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m., Bally Sports Arizona
Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (4-1, 2.53) vs. Marlins LHP Braxton Garrett (1-1, 5.81).
Gallen saw his scoreless innings streak end at 28 when he gave up a first-inning run last week in Texas, an outing in which he finished with three runs allowed in five innings. He called it a “clunker” of a performance. … Gallen owns a 47 percent whiff rate on his curveball and a 39.3 percent whiff rate on his change-up. … Gallen faced the Marlins on April 16, beating his former team for the second time in as many career starts. … Garrett had a 2.45 ERA over his first five starts but was bombed his last time out, giving up 11 runs in 4 1/3 innings against the Braves on Wednesday. … Garrett faced the Diamondbacks on April 15, allowing one run in 5 2/3 innings. … Garrett throws both a fastball and sinker in the 89-90 mph range along with a slider and curveball. He also includes the occasional change-up.
Coming up
Tuesday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (0-0, 13.50) vs. Marlins LHP Jesus Luzardo (2-2, 3.66).Wednesday: At Chase Field, 12:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (3-3, 2.75) vs. Marlins RHP Edward Cabrera (2-3, 4.78).Thursday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Tommy Henry (1-0, 5.17) vs. Giants RHP Alex Cobb (2-1, 2.01).
Sunday game recap: Diamondbacks can’t close deal on series sweep, fall to Nationals
What to know about the Miami Marlins
The Marlins entered Sunday having lost five consecutive games and nine of their past 13, seeing their record drop below .500. The offense has averaged just 3.3 runs per game while the pitching staff has posted a 6.16 ERA in those 13 games. 2B Luis Arraez is hitting an incredible .430/.483/.533 through 120 plate appearances, with six doubles, one triple, one home run and more walks (11) than strikeouts (seven). DH Jorge Soler leads the Marlins with seven homers. CF Jazz Chisholm Jr. is off to a slow start, hitting just .223, though he does have five homers and a team-leading 11 steals. LHP Jesus Luzardo, whom the Diamondbacks are facing this week, has posted a 3.66 ERA in seven starts, striking out 43 in 39 1/3 innings. LHP A.J. Puk had a 0.75 ERA in his first 11 appearances but has allowed five runs (four earned) in his past two outings.
Pregame reading
Double trouble: Ketel Marte productive again from both sides of plate
One step closer: Prospect Kristian Robinson secures visa, nears return to minors
Throwback approach: Diamondbacks catcher Moreno’s style helps him throw out baserunners
Former Diamondback in Japan: Trevor Bauer greeted by welcoming crowd as he wins first start
First-year report: MLB rookie class off to uneven start
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks Daily: News, updates from opener of Marlins series
Source: Yahoo Sports
