San Diego @ Arizona preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 28, 2019 ) San Diego 5, Arizona 6

While many players spend the season’s final week planning their offseason excursions, Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker is bolstering his case for a starting job next year. Walker and the Diamondbacks aim for a sweep of their three-game series against the visiting San Diego Padres on Sunday in the season finale for both teams.

Walker hit two homers, including his first career grand slam, in Saturday’s 6-5 victory as Arizona won for the seventh time in its last nine contests. The 28-year-old Walker is 11-for-31 with four home runs and 10 RBIs over his last nine games for the Diamondbacks, who have won six straight at home against San Diego and seven of eight overall versus its National League West rival. The Padres lost for the 14th time in 16 games despite three home runs from Luis Urias, Eric Hosmer and Manny Machado, who has gone deep in back-to-back games. San Diego remains optimistic about the 22-year-old Urias, who has struggled at the plate in his rookie season but could still begin next year as the team’s regular second baseman.

TV: 3:10 p.m. ET, FS San Diego, FS Arizona

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres RH Michel Baez (1-1, 3.25 ERA) vs. Diamondbacks RH Taijuan Walker (NR)

Baez is expected to throw two innings Sunday in his first career start after making 23 relief appearances since joining the team in late July. “He’s done a great job for us this year,” interim manager Rod Barajas told reporters. “He’s excited about starting a major league game. It should be fun.” The 23-year-old rookie has recorded a 24-to-13 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 27 2/3 innings.

Walker is set to make his first appearance in the majors since April 14, 2018, when he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament at Dodger Stadium. The 27-year-old is expected to pitch one inning before turning it over to left-hander Alex Young, who was scheduled to start the season finale. The 26-year-old Young has posted a 70-to-27 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 16 games (15 starts) across 79 1/3 innings in his rookie season.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Diamondbacks have hit 220 homers this season, matching the franchise record set in 2017.

2. Hosmer has 99 RBIs this season and could reach 100 RBI for the second time in his career on Sunday.

3. Arizona RF Adam Jones left Saturday’s game due to a tight right hamstring and is questionable for the season finale.

PREDICTION: Diamondbacks 7, Padres 4