The D-backs host the Marlins on June 27, 2025. With a top offense but key injuries, can ace Merrill Kelly outduel Eury Pérez and fix the team's pitching woes?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The friendly confines of Chase Field welcome the Diamondbacks back tonight, but the team that takes the field is a study in contrasts. Fresh off a loss and sitting at 41-39, Arizona is leaning on one of MLB's most potent offenses to carry the weight of a pitching staff battered by injuries and inconsistency. Tonight, they begin a crucial three-game series against the Miami Marlins, hoping ace Merrill Kelly can set the tone and prove the D-backs can win with both their bats and their arms.
The story of the 2025 Diamondbacks is written in the rankings: 3rd in the league for runs scored, but a painful 25th in team ERA.
All eyes will be on Merrill Kelly tonight as he faces the Marlins. Sporting a solid 7-3 record and a 3.39 ERA, Kelly has been the rock in a turbulent starting rotation. He's tasked with outdueling Miami's Eury Pérez, who has struggled to a 6.17 ERA this season. On paper, it's a favorable matchup for Arizona, and a dominant start from Kelly is exactly what this team needs to kick off the homestand. A win tonight isn't just a win; it's a statement that the pitching can hold its own.
The D-backs' offensive firepower is even more impressive considering who's missing from the lineup. Key contributors like Corbin Carroll (wrist), Eugenio Suárez (hand), and Gabriel Moreno (finger) remain on the injured list, testing the team's depth. The situation is just as dire on the pitching side, with Corbin Burnes and Justin Martinez both sidelined with elbow issues. These absences are a major factor in the team's struggles on the mound and put immense pressure on the healthy players to overperform.
While the pitching has been a source of frustration, the offense has been a pure joy to watch. The Diamondbacks are mashing, ranking 6th in MLB with a .255 team batting average, 5th with 115 home runs, and an elite 3rd with 413 runs scored. This is a lineup that can score in bunches and single-handedly win games. The challenge, as it has been all season, is whether they can score *enough* to overcome the runs allowed by their beleaguered pitching staff. With no recent trades or call-ups to shake things up, the current roster will have to be the one to find that balance.
This weekend series against the 34-45 Marlins is more than just another homestand; it's a litmus test. Can the D-backs' high-octane offense continue to paper over the cracks? Can Merrill Kelly's performance inspire the rest of the staff? The path forward for Arizona is clear: they need to get healthy and find consistent pitching to support their elite bats. Tonight's game is the first step.
