The Arizona Diamondbacks return to Chase Field on Monday, July 20, to host the Athletics in a 9:40 PM ET first pitch. Left-hander Mitch Bratt gets the ball for Arizona opposite Jeffrey Springs, giving the D-backs a chance to test two pitchers with futures to sort out. With a lineup that blends veterans and younger pieces, this one carries real stakes as both clubs look to sharpen up heading toward the stretch run.

Diamondbacks vs. Athletics: Monday Night Matchup at Chase Field

Bratt is the name to watch here. The young left-hander is getting a high-profile opportunity starting at home, and how he manages the Athletics' lineup will set the tone early. Springs, for his part, is a crafty veteran who has made a living keeping hitters off-balance with a varied arsenal. Neither starter's current season stats are available heading into this game, so both arms come in with a degree of mystery — which makes watching pitch mix and command early in the game all the more important.

Starting Lineups

Arizona Diamondbacks

• Ketel Marte — DH
• Geraldo Perdomo — SS
• Tim Tawa — CF
• Gabriel Moreno — C
• Ildemaro Vargas — 2B
• Nolan Arenado — 3B
• Tyler Locklear — 1B
• Ryan Waldschmidt — LF
• Jorge Barrosa — RF

Athletics

• Jacob Wilson — SS
• Tyler Soderstrom — LF
• Shea Langeliers — C
• Colby Thomas — RF
• Joshua Kuroda-Grauer — 3B
• Jonah Heim — DH
• Tommy White — 1B
• Alika Williams — 2B
• Henry Bolte — CF

Keys to Watch

• Mitch Bratt's command: The young left-hander has to establish himself quickly against an Athletics lineup that features legitimate power threats in Shea Langeliers and Tyler Soderstrom. First-inning efficiency will tell you a lot about where his stuff is tonight.
• Ketel Marte leading off: Marte sliding into the DH spot and batting first is an interesting construction. His plate discipline and ability to get on base sets the table for a lineup that can do damage in bunches. Watch how he approaches Springs' off-speed pitches.
• Nolan Arenado at third: Having a defender of Arenado's caliber at the hot corner gives Arizona a safety net in the infield. His bat slotted sixth also adds pop in the middle of an order that needs production from multiple spots.
• The bottom of the Arizona order: Waldschmidt, Barrosa, and to some extent Locklear represent names still making their cases. How they produce against a veteran pitcher like Springs will matter — teams can't carry lineup dead weight in the second half.
• Jeffrey Springs' sequencing: Springs is at his best when he's mixing his pitches unpredictably. Arizona's lineup has enough experience to sit on patterns, so Springs will need to keep the D-backs guessing all night.

Prediction

This one hinges on Bratt. If the young lefty can get through five innings and limit damage, Arizona's lineup — anchored by Marte and with Arenado providing veteran presence in the six-hole — should have enough to scratch out a win at Chase Field. The D-backs take this one, 4-2, in a game decided by early pitching and a timely hit from the top of the order.

Catch all the action on DBACKS.TV or locally on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.