The D-backs continue their series against Boston with the middle game of a three-game set at Chase Field.

The series marks Arizona's first games against the American League this season and the only time the Red Sox have ever traveled to Phoenix during the regular season.

Micah Owings gets the call after having his start skipped, so he has not pitched since May 29. The last time Owings had 11 days between starts he struggled through his worst outing of the year, giving up seven runs in 2 2/3 innings May 19 at Pittsburgh.

This time, Owings threw a simulated game on Tuesday, while last time he pitched 1 2/3 innings of relief at Houston on his scheduled day to start.

Arizona manager Bob Melvin said Owings struggled against the Pirates due to his command being off rather than from the effects of having his start skipped. Melvin expects the simulated game to make it so "there aren't any cobwebs that he needs to shake out."

Owings will be opposed by Boston's fifth starter, Julian Tavarez.

Pitching matchup
ARI: RHP Micah Owings (4-1, 3.86 ERA)
Owings bounced back from his worst outing of the year May 19 at Pittsburgh with two of his best. He gave up one run in five innings to beat Philadelphia May 29 after allowing one run in a complete-game victory over Houston May 24. The rookie has never faced the Red Sox.

BOS: RHP Julian Tavarez (3-4, 5.33 ERA)
Tavarez allowed three runs in 5 2/3 innings Monday at Oakland to get a no-decision. He is 0-1 with an 11.78 ERA in 14 career appearances against Arizona, but only two of the outings were starts. Tavarez's numbers are even worse at Chase Field, where he has gone 0-1 with a 14.46 ERA in 10 games (one start).

Player to watch
Tony Clark has two hits and a home run in five career at-bats against Tavarez. That could earn him a spot start against the righty.

Tickets
 Buy tickets now to catch the game in person.

On the Internet
 MLB.TV
 Gameday Audio
•  Gameday
•  Official game notes

On television
• 3TV-HD, KWBA, KPHE 44 (Español)

On radio
• KTAR 620, KSUN (Español)

Up next
• Sunday: Diamondbacks (Randy Johnson, 3-2, 3.78) vs. Red Sox (Daisuke Matsuzaka, 7-4, 4.63), 1:40 p.m. MST
• Monday: Off-day
• Tuesday: Diamondbacks (Brandon Webb, 6-3, 3.13) at Yankees (Chien-Ming Wang, 5-4, 3.73), 4:05 p.m. MST