Diamondbacks vs Padres live. Reliever to start as playoff chase resumes

San Diego — The Diamondbacks have assigned reliever Taylor Clarke to start their pivotal bullpen matchup against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Saturday night, September 26. Clarke has started one bullpen game this season, on September 2 against the Philadelphia Phillies. With just two games remaining in the race for the National League's final wild-card spot, the Diamondbacks trail the Phillies by a game, with the Phillies sidelined by a rain delay before the first pitch.

The Diamondbacks recalled catcher Adrian Del Castillo from Triple-A Reno to shore up their catching depth, due to Gabriel Moreno's hamstring injury. Moreno will DH for the Diamondbacks, while Del Castillo takes his place. Jesus Sanchez was optioned to make room for Del Castillo, who was assigned after compiling a poor 2 for 15 average in six games.

Meanwhile, Arizona's rotation has been shaken up, with RHP Taylor Clarke taking the starting role in place of injured RHP Corbin Burnes. Multiple relievers, including LHP Brandyn Garcia, RHP Jonathan Loaisiga, RHP Juan Morillo, and RHP Kevin Ginkel, are expected to pitch in the game, potentially going multiple innings. Backup RHP Jose Cabrera is also on the roster should longer outings be required.

If needed, RHP Jose Cabrera has also been brought up from Triple-A. The Padres will look to Buehler, who posted a 6.56 ERA against Arizona this season, to contain the Diamondbacks.