McCarthy gives Arizona an early lead

WASHINGTON — The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Nationals 4-1 in the fifth inning of Thursday's series finale and are seeking their third consecutive series victory, which would be their first accomplishment this season.

The Diamondbacks scored their first three runs in the fourth inning. Jake McCarthy, Kevin Newman and Tucker Barnhart all singled before Randal Grichuk hit a two-run double down the left field line to tie the game.

McCarthy, who is 3 of 3 with two steals, also initiated the Diamondbacks' comeback from two outs in the fifth inning. He hit a single and stole second base, then got back on his feet on a bloop hit by Newman.

Ryne Nelson has allowed one run in four fairly clean innings, with that lone run coming on a two-out home run by Lane Thomas in the third inning.

Alek Thomas wants to continue his rehab

WASHINGTON — Earlier this week, the Diamondbacks said they didn't know what would happen next with center fielder Alek Thomas, who was sore after rehab games in the Arizona Complex League. But after that brief scare, Thomas will resume his rehab in the Complex League with games on Friday and Saturday.

If all goes well there, it's likely that Thomas – who missed most of the season with a hamstring strain – could head to Triple-A Reno for a rehab assignment next week.

“He's in a pretty good spot,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “Everything has been going well and he seems to be in a very positive frame of mind. When you hear the word fatigue, it sends a signal. You just have to be cautious given what he's been through.”

Zac Gallen is close to a possible return to the Diamondbacks

WASHINGTON — Zac Gallen pitched well in a three-inning sim game earlier this week while recovering from a mild hamstring strain. He is scheduled to pitch in another sim game early next week, possibly as early as Monday. That game will be four innings and about 60 to 65 pitches.

Lovullo's comments Thursday made it sound as though Gallen would not need a full rehab program after his next simulation game, which could mean he could return to the Diamondbacks as soon as next weekend for the home series against the Athletics or the road series immediately following against the Dodgers.

“Once you get to 65 (throws) and you can get to about 80 (throws) on the next throw, that wouldn't be a bad position for him to be in here with us,” Lovullo said. “But we have to get him through the next one.”

The Diamondbacks' rotation desperately needs reinforcements. With both Eduardo Rodriguez and Merrill Kelly likely out during the All-Star break, the Diamondbacks will be without their top three starters.

Pitching duel between the Diamondbacks and the Phillies on Friday

Diamondbacks at Phillies, 3:40 p.m., Apple TV+

Diamondbacks LHP Jordan Montgomery (5-4, 6.00) vs. Phillies RHP Taijuan Walker (3-2, 5.33).

At Citizens Bank Park: After two consecutive disastrous starts against the Mets and Giants, Montgomery pitched well in the Diamondbacks' last home game. In starts against the Angels and White Sox, he totaled 10 2/3 innings, 10 strikeouts and allowed three earned runs. … Montgomery's changeup and curveball worked better against the White Sox than they have all season, giving him a season-high seven strikeouts. … Walker is in the second year of a four-year, $72 million contract with the Phillies. … He posted mediocre results with a 4.38 ERA last season and has taken another step back this year. He is currently the weakest link in a dominant Philadelphia rotation. … Walker has made it through the sixth inning just once in his last five starts. … His sweeper has been by far his best pitch this season.

Soon

Saturday: In Philadelphia, 1:05 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Tommy Henry (2-2, 6.23) vs. Phillies RHP Zack Wheeler (8-4, 2.84).

Sunday: In Philadelphia, 8:35 a.m., Diamondbacks RHP Slade Cecconi (2-5, 5.90) against Phillies LHP Christopher Sanchez (4-3, 2.91).

Monday: Day off.

Tuesday: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (3-6, 4.37) vs. Twins RHP Joe Ryan (5-5, 3.13).

What you should know about the Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have cooled off a bit in recent weeks, finishing 4-6 in their last 10 games. Still, they have been the National League's best team at 49-25. They rank fourth in runs scored, sixth in home runs and fourth in OPS. Their rotation has the third-best ERA in the sport at 2.97 and their bullpen is eighth at 3.47. In other words, this is a team with no notable weaknesses. 1B Bryce Harper is having another dominant season with a .931 OPS. 3B Alek Bohm, DH Kyle Schwarber and SS Trea Turner have all played at a high level as well, although Turner has played just two games since returning from a six-week injured list. LHP Ranger Suarez (1.75 ERA) may have been the best starting pitcher in baseball, although the Diamondbacks will miss him. They will also miss RHP Aaron Nola, who is having another strong year after re-signing with Philadelphia on a long-term deal this winter. However, they will have to face Zack Wheeler and Christopher Sanchez, both of whom have been among the better starters in the National League this year.

csibon

McCarthy gives Arizona an early lead

Alek Thomas wants to continue his rehab

Zac Gallen is close to a possible return to the Diamondbacks

Pitching duel between the Diamondbacks and the Phillies on Friday

Soon

What you should know about the Philadelphia Phillies

Anna Harden

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Alek Thomas wants to continue his rehab

Zac Gallen is close to a possible return to the Diamondbacks

Pitching duel between the Diamondbacks and the Phillies on Friday

Soon

What you should know about the Philadelphia Phillies

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