The Sacramento Athletics travel to Phoenix for a Wednesday night matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field, with first pitch scheduled for 3:40 PM ET on July 22, 2026. Left-hander Gage Jump gets the ball for Sacramento against veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly in what shapes up as a genuine pitching duel. Away from Sutter Health Park and facing a loaded Diamondbacks lineup that includes Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, and a recently acquired Nolan Arenado at third base, the A's will need a clean, efficient outing from Jump to stay competitive in the desert heat.

Probable Starters: Gage Jump vs. Merrill Kelly

Gage Jump continues to build his case as a legitimate rotation piece for Sacramento. The left-hander will be tested immediately by Arizona's lineup, which is stacked from top to bottom. Merrill Kelly is a durable, experienced arm who works the strike zone effectively and does not beat himself with walks. Sacramento's hitters will need to be patient and make Kelly work deep into counts to get into the Arizona bullpen.

Arizona Diamondbacks Starting Lineup

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

Sacramento Athletics Starting Lineup

• Jacob Wilson, SS
• Tyler Soderstrom, LF
• Shea Langeliers, DH
• Carlos Cortes, RF
• Donovan Walton, 3B
• Tommy White, 1B
• Jeff McNeil, 2B
• Lawrence Butler, CF
• Jonah Heim, C

Keys to Watch for the Athletics

• Jump's command: Chase Field plays as a hitter-friendly environment, particularly in warm July conditions. Jump cannot afford to leave pitches over the middle of the plate against a lineup featuring Carroll, Marte, and Arenado. Limiting extra-base damage is the priority.
• Langeliers and Cortes in the middle of the order: Shea Langeliers batting third and Carlos Cortes hitting cleanup gives Sacramento a pair of right-handed bats capable of driving the ball. Getting those two into run-scoring situations early against Kelly could set the tone for the entire game.
• Butler and Wilson on the bases: Jacob Wilson leading off and Lawrence Butler hitting eighth gives Sacramento athletes at the top and bottom of the order who can create problems on the bases. Manufacturing runs against a pitcher like Kelly requires taking smart risks on the basepaths.
• McNeil's contact: Jeff McNeil in the seven-hole brings a high-contact approach that can keep innings alive. His ability to put the ball in play consistently is an underrated asset in this lineup configuration.

Prediction

This one figures to be low-scoring. Kelly is the type of veteran starter who can make lineups look overmatched if they chase early, and Sacramento will need discipline at the plate from the first inning. Jump has the stuff to match zeros with Kelly through the middle innings, but one mistake in the Arizona lineup — particularly to Corbin Carroll or Ketel Marte — can change the complexion of the game quickly. Expect a tight contest decided by a single big swing or a late-inning bullpen sequence. Sacramento finds a way to scratch out a 4-3 victory, with Langeliers delivering the go-ahead hit.

Watch the game on NBCSCA or listen on Talk 650 KSTE. Spanish-language coverage is available on La Campesina 101.9 FM and 860 AM.