The April 23, 2026, matinee at Chase Field offers a fascinating pitching duel between two right-handers who have defied expectations early this season. The Chicago White Sox and the Arizona Diamondbacks wrap up their series in a contest defined by command and contact management. With Davis Martin and Michael Soroka on the mound, this matchup is less about raw power and more about which starter can successfully navigate the opposing lineup’s aggressive tendencies.
The Pitching Breakdown
Davis Martin (CHW): Martin has emerged as a shocking stabilizing force for the South Side. Entering this start with a sparkling 2.16 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP, he has successfully transitioned into a reliable “innings-eater.” Martin’s success in 2026 isn’t built on triple-digit heat but on elite location. Through 25.0 innings, he has showcased a diverse six-pitch arsenal, leaning heavily on a slider that neutralizes righties and a deceptive changeup for left-handed bats. His ability to work deep into games—averaging seven innings in his last two starts while keeping his pitch count under 90—gives the White Sox a massive situational edge in preserving their bullpen.
Michael Soroka (AZ): Across the diamond, the Diamondbacks are reaping the rewards of their offseason gamble on Michael Soroka. Reclaiming the form that made him an All-Star years ago, Soroka enters with a perfect 4-0 record and a 2.78 ERA. His most impressive feat this season was a 10-strikeout performance that included an immaculate inning in his debut. Soroka’s sinker is diving with significant late life, leading to a high ground-ball rate that keeps the ball in the yard. With a 1.06 WHIP and 28 strikeouts through four starts, he is arguably pitching the best baseball of his career.
Best Bets for April 23
1. Arizona Diamondbacks Moneyline (-135) The Diamondbacks hold the edge as the home favorite. While Davis Martin has been excellent, Soroka’s “swing-and-miss” upside is significantly higher in this matchup. Arizona’s lineup also possesses superior plate discipline, which should force Martin to work harder than he did in his previous starts against Kansas City and Oakland. At -135, you are betting on the more explosive offense to eventually break through against Martin’s contact-heavy profile.
2. Under 8.5 Total Runs (-115) This is a pure “pitcher’s duel” play. Both Martin and Soroka are elite at inducing soft contact and limiting walks (combining for only 12 walks over 47.2 innings this season). Neither team has shown a propensity for massive home-run outbursts in 2026, and with two starters who excel at keeping the ball on the ground, a 4-2 or 3-1 final score is the most probable outcome.
3. Michael Soroka Over 5.5 Strikeouts (+110) The White Sox lineup remains prone to chasing sliders out of the zone, a pitch that Soroka has mastered this season. Soroka has cleared the 5.5 strikeout mark in three of his four starts, including a massive 10-K game. Getting plus-money on a line this low for a pitcher currently averaging over a strikeout per inning is excellent value.
The Sharp Edge: Keep an eye on the White Sox’s middle infield. If they opt for a more defensive-oriented lineup for the getaway day, Martin’s ground-ball efficiency becomes even more lethal, further reinforcing the Under 8.5 play.
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