The Arizona Diamondbacks return to Chase Field on Sunday, July 19 to host the St. Louis Cardinals in a 4:10 PM ET first pitch. Eduardo Rodriguez gets the ball for Arizona, squaring off against St. Louis right-hander Andre Pallante in what shapes up as a mid-rotation matchup with real implications as both clubs navigate the back half of the 2026 season. Home field matters here — Chase Field has been a factor all year for Arizona — and this is exactly the kind of Sunday afternoon game the D-backs need to win in front of their own fans.
Probable Starters: Eduardo Rodriguez vs. Andre Pallante
Rodriguez is Arizona's assignment on the bump Sunday. The left-hander has been a key piece of the Diamondbacks' rotation this season, and his ability to generate weak contact and work deep into games will be critical against a Cardinals lineup that can grind at-bats. Pitching staff depth and workload management are ongoing conversations for this club, so how far Rodriguez can go Sunday matters beyond just the box score.
On the other side, Pallante gets the nod for St. Louis. The right-hander relies heavily on his sinker and ground-ball tendencies, which means Arizona's offense will need to elevate the ball and look for pitches they can drive. Pallante isn't going to overpower hitters, but he can neutralize lineups that chase down in the zone. The D-backs will need to be disciplined early and work counts to get to the Cardinals' bullpen.
Keys to Watch for Arizona
- Rodriguez's command and pitch mix: His ability to keep the Cardinals off-balance through the lineup two and three times is the baseline ask. If he's locating his offspeed pitches, this is a winnable start.
- Forcing Pallante to work: Arizona's offense does its best damage when it makes pitchers throw strikes. Grinding counts against Pallante's sinker-heavy approach opens the door to big innings.
- Bullpen readiness: Depending on Rodriguez's workload coming in, the Arizona relief corps may be called on early. How the back end of the bullpen is positioned will shape the late-inning story.
- Defending home field: Chase Field crowds can energize this roster. Keeping the Cardinals from stealing momentum early sets the tone for the afternoon.
Broadcast Information
Sunday's game can be seen on DBACKS.TV for Arizona viewers or heard locally on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. Spanish-language coverage is available on La Campesina 101.9 FM and 860 AM. Cardinals fans can follow along on Cardinals.TV Presented by bet365 or on KMOX 1120 AM and 104.1 FM out of St. Louis.
Prediction
This is a game Arizona should win at home. Rodriguez is a capable pitcher who benefits from the D-backs' defense, and Pallante — while effective — is the type of starter Arizona's lineup can solve with patience. Expect a competitive, lower-scoring affair that the Diamondbacks close out in the late innings. D-backs win, 4–2.
