The Arizona Diamondbacks face a pivotal moment as they prepare for a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates starting at 3:40 p.m. Arizona time. Following a tough sweep by the Houston Astros at Chase Field, the Diamondbacks are aiming to reverse their fortunes in the Ryne Nelson Diamondbacks Pirates matchup, with 59 games left to maintain slim postseason aspirations.
Pitching Duel Highlights Arizona and Pittsburgh Series
Ryne Nelson has emerged as a reliable starter for Arizona’s rotation throughout the 2025 season, consistently delivering strong performances. Despite a rough outing on July 11 where he gave up four runs in four innings, Nelson rebounded with a six-inning, one-run start just five days later. His fastball, frequently clocked in the upper 90s, makes up 63% of his pitches and remains one of the most effective in the league, producing a +16 Run Value—ranking in the 98th percentile.
For the Diamondbacks, securing deep starts like Nelson’s is critical, especially with a bullpen that has struggled this season. Nelson has pitched six or more innings in three of his last four starts, helping the team’s rotation bear more burden.
The Pirates will counter with right-hander Mike Burrows, who recently improved following a tough outing that saw him surrender six runs in just 1.1 innings. Burrows, 25, has faced difficulties generating strikeouts and avoiding hard contact, along with issuing multiple walks. He relies on a mid-90s four-seam fastball supplemented by a changeup, slider, and curveball. Notably, his changeup has been his most effective pitch, while his four-seam fastball has been hit hard, resulting in a .325 batting average and a .538 slugging percentage against it.
Comparison of Bullpen Strengths for Both Teams
The bullpen matchup gives the Pirates a slight edge, with their relievers holding a 3.93 ERA, placing them 17th in MLB rankings. Meanwhile, Arizona’s bullpen ranks 27th with a higher 4.93 ERA, reflecting ongoing challenges in closing out games. Pittsburgh’s closer David Bednar has been a strong asset, successfully converting all 15 of his save opportunities this year and maintaining a 2.31 ERA without allowing an earned run since May 23.
Setup pitchers Dennis Santana and Isaac Mattson further bolster the Pirates’ relief corps, posting ERAs of 1.49 and 2.53 respectively. With an upcoming off day on Thursday, both teams are expected to enter the series with well-rested bullpens ready to impact tight late-inning situations.
Arizona’s Current Standing and Playoff Outlook
The Diamondbacks currently hold a 50-53 record and appear to be inching closer to adopting a seller’s mindset at the approaching trade deadline on July 31. Still, with nearly two months remaining in the season, there is ample reason for hope. The team remains motivated to achieve a surprising playoff run, even as their rotation and bullpen face ongoing tests.
The Pirates, while not among the strongest teams in MLB this season, recently completed a sweep of the Detroit Tigers, showing flashes of potential. However, their overall performance ranks near the bottom of the league.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely as Arizona’s Ryne Nelson takes the mound against Pittsburgh’s pitching staff. The outcome of this crucial series could significantly influence the Diamondbacks’ ability to sustain their postseason chances amidst an uncertain and challenging stretch of the schedule.