Diamondbacks Announce Starter for Saturday’s Game

The Arizona Diamondbacks have announced their starter against the Pittsburgh Pirates Saturday night and it has strayed from what was expected.

The Diamondbacks starter is expected to be LHP Kyle Nelson (4-1, 2.76 ERA). Nelson works with a three pitch arsenal with a slider (62.4%), four-seam (30.2%), and an occasional cutter (7.4%).

This will be Nelson’s first start this season in 39 appearances (including tonight). In addition, the last time Nelson started a game was back in 2022.

Over his career in the majors, Nelson has pitched in 80 career innings and posted an ERA of 3.71.

Nelson’s obvious money pitch is his slider with a whiff% of 39.3, and an opponent batting average of .236. If the Pirates can get Nelson to use his four-seam, they will stand a much better chance.

Nelson’s four-seam is allowing a .286 batting average an a slugging of .457.