2023 NL Wild Card Series Preview: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Tuesday, October 3rd marks the official start of the MLB playoffs and we could not be more excited. The #3 seed Milwaukee Brewers will host the #6 seed Arizona Diamondbacks in the three-game wild card series.
The schedule will look like this:
- Oct. 3: Arizona Diamondbacks at Milwaukee Brewers, 6:08 p.m. CT
- Oct. 4: Arizona Diamondbacks at Milwaukee Brewers, 6:08 p.m. CT
- Oct. 5: Arizona Diamondbacks at Milwaukee Brewers, 6:08 p.m. CT (if necessary)
Arizona Diamondbacks Overview:
The Arizona Diamondbacks took the last spot in the wild card and posted an 84-78 record, finishing 16 games back of the Dodgers in the NL West. They fought hard for that wild card spot and aren’t a team to be overlooked. Their defense and pitching outshine their offense, with their defense ranking No. 4 in MLB in defensive runs saved. They also have a great outfield, spearheaded by Corbin Carroll, who will likely win the NL Rookie of the Year award.
Brandon Pfaadt will take the mound for Game 1 for the Diamondbacks. He posted a 5.72 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, and 10.2 hits per nine innings. He will more than likely be the most favorable matchup for the Brewers during this series. The Game 2 and 3 starters haven’t been named yet, but it is safe to say that ace Zac Gallen will take the mound for Game 2.
Gallen sported a 3.47 ERA, 1.119 WHIP and 220 strikeouts this season. He will likely be their best performer and it will be crucial for him to have a good outing if the Diamondbacks want this series to be competitive. Merrill Kelly will likely take the mound for Game 3 as he is the team’s No. 2 arm in the rotation. He posted a 3.29 ERA and 1.193 WHIP with 187 strikeouts this year. This series should be a solid defensive battle and it will be fun to see what these starters bring to the table.
Offensively, the Diamondbacks haven’t been the best, but they are better than the Brewers. First baseman Christian Walker (33 HR) and second baseman Ketel Marte (25 HR) would both lead the Brewers in home runs. Outfielder Corbin Carroll (133 wRC+) would be the Brewers’ top offensive player. Both teams lack power, so this is likely prime to be a pitcher’s duel.
Milwaukee Brewers Overview:
The Brewers won the NL Central for the third time in the last six years, finishing 92-70. They have a slightly better record at home, which will play to their advantage, as the entire series is in Milwaukee.
Similar to the Diamondbacks, however, their defense outshines their inconsistent offense. With multiple good starting pitchers and one of the best closers in the league, they can be a nightmare for some batting lineups.
Defensively, the Brewers ranked second in DRS and led MLB in team ERA with 3.71. Corbin Burnes, a former NL CY Young winner, will start Game 1. He has had a down year for his standards and still posted a 3.39 ERA and a 3.81 FIP. Brandon Woodruff would’ve gotten the start for Game 2, but is facing a shoulder injury and will miss the series.
His replacement remains TBA and Freddy Peralta will likely get the start for Game 3. He had a career-high 210 strikeouts this season and a 1.117 WHIP. Closer, Devin Williams could likely make more than one appearance this series, having been a crucial part of the Brewers bullpen. Arguably one of the best closers in the league, Williams had 36 saves this season with a 0.92 WHIP.
Offensively, this team has been streaky and No. 23 in batting average. They are the worst offense out of every playoff team and will likely rely on their pitching and defense to do the heavy lifting. Their offense has shown flashes of greatness and when they get hot, they can do some damage.
Other times, they struggle to give the starters run support and the team loses ballgames. The midseason additions of Carlos Santana and Mark Canha have added some much-needed help and sparked a late-season push to guarantee the division crown.
Series Prediction:
I think this series will be closer than most people think and the pitching and management will be critical in deciding who will move on to the divisional series to play the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite the Diamondbacks having a better offense and some good pitching, I think the Brewers will win this series in three games.
I believe the Brewers take Game 1, the Diamondbacks will take Game 2, and the Brewers will secure Game 3. These are two teams that can be scary to face as an offense and both of them have the potential to shake things up a bit this postseason. The Milwaukee Brewers are my dark horse pick to win the World Series this year and yes, some of that is because of bias. Despite my bias, they are a team with great chemistry, great pitching and a great manager, and they ended the season with positive momentum and a strong drive to prove themselves this postseason.
