Tue Jul 08 00:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summary based on the provided text:
**Diamondbacks Face Crucial Series Against Padres Amidst Playoff Doubts**
**SAN DIEGO, CA** – The Arizona Diamondbacks head to Petco Park to face the San Diego Padres in a pivotal four-game series starting July 7th. The Padres are currently battling for a Wild Card spot, tied with the Giants for the final position, while the Diamondbacks find themselves 4.5 games back, prompting fading hope among fans. This series is a must-win for Arizona if they aim to be buyers at the trade deadline.
The series will see Zac Gallen (6-9, 5.54 ERA) face off against Yu Darvish in his highly anticipated first start of the 2025 season after recovering from elbow inflammation. Game 2 features Merrill Kelly (7-4, 3.55 ERA) against Padres’ offseason acquisition Nick Pivetta (9-2, 3.25 ERA). Brandon Pfaadt (8-6, 5.42 ERA) will take on Dylan Cease (3-8, 4.62 ERA) in Game 3, and the series concludes with Eduardo Rodriguez (3-5, 5.78 ERA) pitching against Randy Vasquez (3-4, 3.79 ERA).
While the Diamondbacks face a tough pitching lineup, particularly with Gallen, Pfaadt, and Rodriguez, the series presents an opportunity to make a statement against a division rival. Analysts predict a potential series split.
First Piper 