The Arizona Diamondbacks host the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field on Monday, August 31, with first pitch set for 9:40 PM ET. Aaron Nola gets the ball for Philadelphia in a matchup that puts two legitimate National League clubs against each other in the desert. Arizona has not announced a confirmed starter for this one, which is a storyline worth tracking as game time approaches. Catch the action on DBACKS.TV or locally on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

Pitching Matchup: Aaron Nola vs. Arizona TBD

Nola is the known quantity here. The right-hander has been one of the most dependable starters in the National League for nearly a decade, and he brings that experience and a deep arsenal to Chase Field. Nola works with a four-seam fastball, curveball, changeup, and cutter, and he commands the strike zone as well as anyone in the rotation. Arizona hitters will need to be disciplined early — Nola tends to work ahead in counts and punish batters who chase.

On the home side, Arizona has not named a starter as of this writing. That uncertainty is real, and it matters. Whether the D-backs roll out a rotation arm or piece it together from the bullpen will shape how this game is managed from the first inning. Watch for a lineup announcement close to first pitch.

Arizona Diamondbacks Lineup to Watch

Manager's card has Geraldo Perdomo leading things off at shortstop, with Corbin Carroll sliding into the two-hole in right field. Gabriel Moreno bats third behind the dish, and Ketel Marte anchors the cleanup spot as designated hitter. Lars Nootbaar brings his left-handed bat to the five-hole in left field, followed by Nolan Arenado at third base — a veteran presence who knows exactly how to handle a right-handed pitcher like Nola. Tim Tawa gets the start at first base batting seventh, Ildemaro Vargas handles second base in the eight-spot, and Ryan Waldschmidt rounds out the order in center field.

Philadelphia Phillies Lineup to Watch

Philadelphia sends a formidable top of the order into Chase Field. Kyle Schwarber leads off as the designated hitter — a left-handed power threat who can change a game with one swing. Trea Turner bats second at short, followed by Bryce Harper in right field at three. Luis Arraez slots in at cleanup, giving Philadelphia a rare four-hole hitter who makes consistent contact rather than hunting home runs. Alec Bohm bats fifth at first base, Bryson Stott handles third base in the six-spot, and Brandon Marsh is in left field batting seventh. Justin Crawford starts in center field at eight, and Garrett Stubbs handles the catching duties in the nine-hole.

Keys to the Game

• Arizona's pitching answer: Until the D-backs name a starter, the biggest question mark in this game belongs to the home dugout. Whoever takes the ball needs to match Nola's strike-throwing ability, or this could get away early.
• Handling Nola's curveball: Nola's breaking ball is elite. Arizona's lineup — particularly Marte and Arenado — will need to recognize it out of the hand and lay off when it's not a strike.
• Schwarber and the power threat: Chase Field plays well for left-handed power. The D-backs' pitching staff, however it is configured, cannot afford to leave anything over the middle of the plate to Schwarber.
• Carroll's speed and on-base ability: If Corbin Carroll gets on base in front of Moreno and Marte, Arizona has the ability to manufacture runs even against a quality starter like Nola.
• Arraez factor: Luis Arraez at cleanup is unconventional, but his contact ability means Philadelphia can keep a rally alive even when the power threats are quiet. Don't walk through him.

Prediction

This one hinges almost entirely on who Arizona sends to the mound. If the D-backs can match Nola inning for inning with a legitimate starter, Chase Field gives them a real shot — this lineup has enough offensive weapons to string together runs against anyone. The Phillies' order from top to bottom is deep and disciplined, though, and Nola is a tough out to steal a game from on any given night. Until Arizona clarifies the pitching situation, lean toward a close, low-scoring game that could go either way. Edge: Phillies, 4-2, unless Arizona answers the pitching question convincingly before first pitch.