Free MLB Picks Today: Milwaukee Brewers vs Arizona Diamondbacks 6/19/23

The Arizona Diamondbacks (43-29) take one of the best offenses in the league on the road to face the Milwaukee Brewers (37-34) at American Family Field on Monday for the first of a three-game series.

The Diamondbacks are playing their first of seven games on the road after wrapping up a seven-game homestand (3-4). They won two out of three in their last series against the Guardians, dropping the finale 12-3 on Sunday at Chase Field.

Christian Walker was 2 for 3 with a home run and a double. He had three RBIs. The Brewers are in the midst of a six-game homestand. They are coming off a three-game sweep of the Pirates, taking the finale 5-2 on Sunday at American Family Field.

Christian Yelich’s on-base streak reached 11 games as he went 2 for 3 with two doubles and one run. William Contreras added a triple, one run, and one RBI.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Diamondbacks have won two of three in the season series between the teams, including a 7-3 victory in their most recent meeting on April 12 at Chase Field. Kyle Nelson threw 1.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen to get the win.

ON THE MOUND

Merrill Kelly (8-3, 3.04 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Arizona. The right-hander is tied for the NL lead in wins. Kelly allowed three runs over six innings in his last start, a 4-3 road defeat against the Phillies on Wednesday. He gave up three hits while striking out seven and walking four in the no-decision.

Kelly has made one previous start against the Brewers this season, a 7-1 home loss on April 11. He surrendered three runs on one hit over six innings, striking out seven and walking four. Right-hander Corbin Burnes (5-4, 3.44 ERA) will toe the rubber for Milwaukee.

He has made one prior start against the Diamondbacks this season, holding opposing hitters scoreless over eight innings in a 7-1 road win on April 11.

He gave up three hits while striking out eight in the win.In his last start on Tuesday, Burnes took a no-decision on the road against the Twins. He threw six innings and gave up three runs on seven hits, striking out eight and walking one in the 7-5 loss.

AT THE PLATE

The Arizona offense is averaging 5.1 runs per game for the season, fifth best in MLB, with a slash line of .264/.329/.440. Four Diamondbacks hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Corbin Carroll (.982). The center fielder is slashing .307/.389/.593 with 15 home runs, 38 RBIs, and 53 runs over 69 games.

Against right-handed pitchers like Burnes this season, the D-backs have a .780 OPS, third highest in MLB. Carroll also is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a 1.068 OPS in 173 at-bats.

Milwaukee is slashing .228/.306/.377 for the season and averaging 4.1 runs per game, second lowest in the NL. Yelich leads the team with a .785 OPS. The right fielder has nine home runs, 30 RBIs, and 49 runs scored with a slash line of .266/.361/.423.

The Brew Crew have a .695 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .849 OPS over 179 at-bats, Yelich also has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Arizona is on a five-game winning streak in road games, bringing their record to 20-11 in 2023. The D-backs have scored 5.6 runs per game away from home, while allowing 5.0 runs. Milwaukee has won three in a row at their home park.

The Brew Crew are 21-16 at home this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 4.1. Milwaukee is 8-2 in the last 10 games between the teams at American Family Field with an average scoreline of 4.4-2.5.