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Arizona Diamondbacks: Starters Give off Bad First Impression

By Griffin Fabits

Apr 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Overall view of Chase Field as a pair of fighter jets perform a fly over prior to the Arizona Diamondbacks game against the San Francisco Giants during opening day. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Overall view of Chase Field as a pair of fighter jets perform a fly over prior to the Arizona Diamondbacks game against the San Francisco Giants during opening day. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Over the first five games of the regular season, the Arizona Diamondbacks are giving off a shaky first impression.

It was like meeting your daughter’s boyfriend for the first time.

You’ve heard so many good things about him, but when you were finally introduced to him, it was a huge letdown. Arizona Diamondbacks fans know the feeling.

Adding Zack Greinke and Shelby Miller this past offseason was the buzz around the baseball world. Two accomplished starters who would be able to guide a youthful rotation with plenty of potential, to

complement an already proven lineup? Seems like it has playoffs written all over it.

When Greinke introduced himself to Diamondback fans on April 4 against the Colorado Rockies, he welcomed himself to the desert in a disappointing way. He only lasted 4 innings, giving up 7 ER, and 9 hits, 3 of which came via the long ball. It had been six years since he had last surrendered three home runs in one start.

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He was pulled earlier than expected, and the Dbacks dropped their season opener, 10-5.

The next night, it was Shelby Miller’s turn to meet the folks.

Miller threw 6 innings, giving up 6 ER on 8 hits. Just like Greinke, Miller allowed three home runs in his first start with the club. Luckily for Miller, the Diamondbacks would rally behind strong sixth and seventh innings, and they were victorious for the first time in 2016.

The following night was fan favorite Patrick Corbin’s turn. He labored through 7 innings, giving up 4 runs on 8 hits. The Rockies swatted three more home runs off of Diamondbacks starters, winning just 4-3.

After losing the best-of-three series to the Rockies, the World Series favorite Chicago Cubs are in town with a four-game set against the Diamondbacks. In Thursday’s opener, Rubby De La Rosa matched up against John Lackey. De La Rosa crumbled, allowing 6 ER on 7 hits, while failing to make it out of the fourth inning.

Compared to the first four games, Robbie Ray looked like a Cy Young winner in his first start of the season. He worked through 6 innings, while allowing just 2 ER on 4 hits. The walk-off single by Yasmany Tomas gave the Dbacks their second win of the season.

But, after five games and one time through the rotation, a Diamondback starter is yet to record a win. The starters are averaging an ERA of 8.25, and have given up 9 home runs over 26 1/3 innings. Sure, it’s not an ideal start pitching-wise, but luckily for the Diamondbacks and their fans, the sample size is small. 157 games are left to be played, and the pitching is sure to pick up.

There is no reason to fret, stress, or worry. Once the starters find themselves in a rhythm, opposing hitters could face trouble. After all, the Zack Greinke that finished second in last year’s Cy Young vote will toe the rubber every five days.

Next: Suns: Only way to win is to lose

R-e-l-a-x. It’s only April. Your first impression of your daughter’s boyfriend is destined to change. Give it time.

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