The Arizona Diamondbacks host the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field on Tuesday, September 1, with first pitch set for 9:40 PM ET. Eduardo Rodriguez takes the ball for Arizona against Philadelphia lefty Jesús Luzardo in a late regular-season matchup that carries real weight for both clubs. The game airs on DBACKS.TV locally and NBCSP for Phillies viewers, with radio coverage on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

Pitching Matchup: Rodriguez vs. Luzardo

Eduardo Rodriguez draws the start for the D-backs in what shapes up as an intriguing left-on-left pitching duel. Rodriguez has been a steadying presence in the Arizona rotation, and getting a quality outing from him against a Phillies lineup that can do serious damage is the single most important variable for the home side tonight.

Jesús Luzardo brings real punch to this matchup for Philadelphia. He is a live-armed lefty capable of missing bats in bunches, which means the Arizona lineup will need to be disciplined and stay within their approach from the first pitch. Chase Field's dimensions can be a factor on a warm September night, but Luzardo is the kind of arm who can neutralize that edge if the D-backs let him set the tempo.

Arizona Diamondbacks Lineup

• Geraldo Perdomo — SS
• Corbin Carroll — RF
• Gabriel Moreno — C
• Ketel Marte — DH
• Nolan Arenado — 3B
• Ildemaro Vargas — 2B
• Tim Tawa — 1B
• Jordan Lawlar — CF
• Ryan Waldschmidt — LF

Keys to Watch

Ketel Marte Anchors the Middle of the Order

With Marte slotted in at cleanup as the designated hitter, Arizona's offense runs through him. How Marte handles Luzardo's stuff will go a long way toward determining whether the D-backs can generate consistent pressure or find themselves chasing the game from behind.

Corbin Carroll's On-Base Work at the Top

Carroll hitting second gives the D-backs a legitimate threat right at the top of the lineup alongside Perdomo. Getting those two on base and creating havoc before Moreno and Marte come up is the blueprint for how Arizona wants this offense to function.

Nolan Arenado Brings Veteran Presence to the Five-Hole

The addition of Arenado at third base gives this lineup a different look and a legitimate right-handed threat in the five-spot. His ability to drive in runs with runners on base will be tested against a Phillies pitching staff that knows how to work around trouble.

Rodriguez Must Command the Zone Early

If Rodriguez can work efficiently through the Philadelphia order in the first three innings and keep the pitch count manageable, the D-backs bullpen gets a chance to rest and stay fresh. A short outing from the starter would put real pressure on the Arizona relief corps against a lineup as dangerous as Philadelphia's.

Prediction

This is a genuine toss-up on paper. Two capable lefties, a Chase Field crowd that can get loud in September, and two lineups with the ability to score in bunches. Arizona gets the edge at home, and if Rodriguez can give the D-backs six innings and keep the ball in the ballpark, look for the offense to do enough against Luzardo late. D-backs win, 4–3.