Diamondbacks vs. Phillies Odds
| Diamondbacks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
| -124 | 8 -120 / -102 | -1.5 +136 |
| Phillies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Total | Run Line |
+106 | 8 -120 / -102 | +1.5 -164 |
The NL East's Philadelphia Phillies host the NL West's Arizona Diamondbacks in the third and final installment of this three-game series on Wednesday afternoon.
After winning each of the first two matchups, Arizona looks to complete the sweep at Citizens Bank Park. Will the Diamondbacks take care of business, or can the Phillies end the home stand on a high note?
Here's a look at the odds, as well as my Diamondbacks vs. Phillies betting pick.
Arizona Diamondbacks
After winning each of the first two games of this series, the Arizona Diamondbacks hand the ball to right-hander Zac Gallen. Putting together another dominant campaign, Gallen is 6-2 with a 2.95 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 10 starts.
Perhaps the biggest aspect of the right-hander's excellence is his ability to retire hitters via punchout. Currently, Gallen ranks in the 69th percentile or higher in K%, Whiff and Chase Rate.
In fact, he has finished every season of his MLB career with a K% north of 26%. While he only boasts a four-pitch arsenal, Gallen is exceptional at utilizing his four-seam fastball to set up his devastating curveball, a pitch that boasts a Whiff% of 41.4% this year.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies have put together a disappointing start to the campaign in their quest to return to the Fall Classic. Entering this game, Philadelphia is fourth in the NL East and four games under .500.
While the Phillies' lineup is not necessarily to blame for this poor start, it still struggles with the strikeout, a trend that could continue against the right-handed Gallen. This season, Philadelphia ranks just 19th in the league in K% when facing right-handers.
A trend that carried over from last year, the Phillies finished 2022 ranked in the bottom half of the league in K% when facing right-handed pitching. Looking at Wednesday's projected starting lineup, seven of the nine hitters have a K% north of 22% this season.
Diamondbacks vs. Phillies Betting Pick
Gallen has recorded at least seven strikeouts in five of his past eight starts, something likely to continue against Philadelphia. Through 53 career plate appearances against the right-hander, this current Phillies roster possesses a fade-worthy 28.3 K% and 28.4 Whiff%.
In his last start against Philadelphia (last season), Gallen racked up seven strikeouts in a seven-inning gem, a game in which he surrendered zero runs on just two hits. Given how poor this Phillies team has played this season, a similar outing would not be that surprising.
