The Arizona Diamondbacks welcome the San Diego Padres to Chase Field on Wednesday, August 5, for a 9:40 PM ET first pitch in a rivalry matchup that carries real NL West weight. Arizona sends rookie left-hander Mitch Bratt to the mound against righty Casey Mize, who has reinvented himself in San Diego after his Detroit years. With a loaded Padres lineup featuring Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill, Bratt faces the kind of test that will reveal exactly what Arizona has in the young arm. Catch the action on DBACKS.TV or Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

Probable Pitchers: Mitch Bratt vs. Casey Mize

Bratt gets the nod for Arizona in what shapes up as one of his more significant appearances of the season. The young pitcher faces a Padres lineup that is deep, experienced, and capable of doing damage in bunches. San Diego counters with Casey Mize, whose stuff — a sharp sinker complemented by a split-finger — can generate ground balls and keep hitters off-balance. Without season ERA figures available, both starters bring an element of unpredictability, which makes the first few innings worth watching closely to see who establishes command first.

Arizona Diamondbacks Starting Lineup

• Lars Nootbaar, LF
• Corbin Carroll, RF
• Geraldo Perdomo, SS
• Gabriel Moreno, DH
• Tim Tawa, 3B
• Ildemaro Vargas, 2B
• James McCann, C
• Tyler Locklear, 1B
• Ryan Waldschmidt, CF

San Diego Padres Starting Lineup

• Fernando Tatis Jr., 2B
• Luis Rengifo, LF
• Manny Machado, 3B
• Ty France, 1B
• Jackson Merrill, CF
• Xander Bogaerts, SS
• Luis Campusano, C
• Jake Cronenworth, DH
• Jase Bowen, RF

Three Keys to Watch at Chase Field

1. Bratt Against the Top of San Diego's Order

Tatis Jr. leading off for the Padres is a genuine concern for any young pitcher. He has the speed to create havoc on the bases and the power to punish a mistake over the plate. How Bratt handles Tatis, Rengifo, and Machado in the first two turns through the order will go a long way toward determining Arizona's chances tonight.

2. Corbin Carroll's Impact in the Two-Hole

Carroll batting second behind Lars Nootbaar gives Arizona a dynamic one-two punch at the top of the order. If Nootbaar gets on base, Carroll's combination of speed and contact ability can put pressure on Mize early. Arizona needs that kind of momentum-building approach if it wants to get to Mize before San Diego's bullpen takes over.

3. Gabriel Moreno as the Cleanup Bat

Moreno sliding into the four spot at DH is an interesting configuration. The catcher-turned-designated-hitter carries genuine pop and a disciplined approach. His ability to drive in runs with Perdomo on base ahead of him could be the difference in a game that figures to be close throughout.

Prediction

This is a tough draw for Bratt. The Padres send out one of the more complete lineups in the NL, and Mize's ground-ball profile plays well in any ballpark. That said, Chase Field is home, and Arizona's lineup — with Carroll, Nootbaar, and Moreno providing real offensive threat — is capable of generating runs against anyone. Expect a competitive, low-scoring game that comes down to the bullpens. Diamondbacks 4, Padres 3.