Players to Watch: Diamondbacks v. Padres

Odrisamer Despaigne

Apr 20, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne (40) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Despaigne will make his third start of the season on Thursday against the Diamondbacks. It will be the 17th career start for the 28-year-old Cuban defect and surprisingly, it will be his fifth start against these Arizona Diamondbacks.

In his four previous starts against the Diamondbacks, Despaigne has posted a 1-2 record with a 2.96 ERA in 24.1 innings. He has also held the Diamondbacks hitters to a measly .220 batting average.

Despaigne started against the Diamondbacks on April 14 of this season and went seven strong innings. In the game he only allowed one run on two hits, while striking out three batters. Despaigne relies heavily on his defense as he carries a career 5.7 k/9.