The Arizona Diamondbacks will be looking to rebound from a three-game sweep at Pittsburgh. A date with the only team behind them in the NL West standings should prove a good opportunity, and I think the D'Backs will prove worth the money in Friday's contest against the San Diego Padres.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Diamondbacks hand the ball to Robbie Ray (2-3, 4.18) who has allowed just a total of four runs on nine hit in 12 innings in his last two starts. The left-hander was 0-3 with a 4.96 ERA in three career games versus the Padres last year, but San Diego has struggled with southpaws this season and lost six of its last eight against a left-handed starter. The Padres counter with a lefty of their own in Christian Friedrich (0-1, 2.89 ERA). He has made only two starts this year and lasted just 3 1/3 innings last Friday when giving up two runs, six hits and three walks against the Dodgers.

2. Road Woes - The Padres are 2-8 in their last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing record. The D'Backs will be happy to be home at Chase Field following a week-long trip and they took two of three from the Giants their last series in Arizona.

3. X-Factor - Matt Kemp is 3-for-33 with 12 strikeouts during an eight-game slump.

Selection: This is a play on the Arizona Diamondbacks (8*)