Diamondbacks Set Lineup for Crucial Game 2 Against Marlins as Playoff Race Tightens

The Arizona Diamondbacks remain alive in the National League Wild Card hunt after a dramatic Monday night victory, and they have unveiled their batting order for a pivotal Tuesday showdown with the Miami Marlins at Chase Field.

Carroll’s Walk-Off Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive

Arizona entered the week in a precarious position, with every game carrying postseason implications. Star outfielder Corbin Carroll delivered a two-run walk-off home run on Monday, preventing the club from losing ground in the crowded Wild Card standings and setting the stage for a potential series win.

New Addition Jesus Sanchez Makes Immediate Impact

The most notable change to the lineup is the debut of newly acquired outfielder and designated hitter Jesus Sanchez. The Diamondbacks claimed the left-handed hitter off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, and he officially joined the active roster Tuesday afternoon. To make room, rookie utility player Tommy Troy was optioned to Triple-A Reno.

Sanchez, who appeared for Toronto as recently as August 25 against the Kansas City Royals, is expected to see the majority of his playing time at designated hitter. Defensive metrics have graded him as a below-average outfielder this season, but his offensive profile addresses a specific roster need: Arizona has struggled against right-handed pitching, and Sanchez carries pronounced reverse splits that suggest he can provide immediate production in those matchups. With a heavy dose of right-handed starters looming in the season’s final stretch, his arrival is timely.

Pavin Smith Earns First Start at First Base Since Recall

Another left-handed bat returns to the infield. Pavin Smith, who was designated for assignment on July 10 before being brought back to the major-league roster on September 12, will make his first start at first base since his recall. In two previous appearances as the designated hitter, Smith has gone 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI, offering a glimpse of the contact-oriented approach the coaching staff values in high-leverage spots.

Lineup Configuration for Game 2

With Sanchez slotted in as the DH and Smith taking over at first, the Diamondbacks are stacking left-handed offense to counter Miami’s right-handed pitching. The move signals a clear “win-now” posture from the front office and manager Torey Lovullo as the club navigates the most critical week of the 2026 season to date.

This article was originally published on Sports Illustrated as “Diamondbacks Reveal Lineup for Critical Game 2 vs Marlins.”