Arizona @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 26, 2012 ) Arizona 0, San Francisco 6

Hours before the San Francisco Giants conclude their three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team is expected to make an announcement about Melky Cabrera’s status. Based on various media reports, the team is expected to state that Cabrera will not play in the National League Championship Series or the World Series, if the Giants reach that point. Cabrera is eligible to return from his 50-game suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs in time to play in the NLCS, but the Giants have shown little interest in being associated with the left fielder since his suspension.

Arizona heads into the series finale 5 1/2 games behind St. Louis for the final NL wild card spot with seven games left to play. With the Diamondbacks’ elimination number at two, any combination of Arizona losses or St. Louis wins will end Arizona’s faint postseason hopes. Outfielder Gerardo Parra had two hits Wednesday after being out since Saturday with a sore right hand. Parra has seen his playing time reduced in recent weeks as the Diamondbacks take an extended look at rookie center fielder Adam Eaton, who has just one hit in his last 20 at-bats after a strong start.

TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Arizona (Arizona), CSNBA (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Diamondbacks LH Patrick Corbin (6-7, 4.36 ERA) vs. Giants LH Barry Zito (13-8, 4.18)

Corbin turned in his shortest outing of the season last Saturday against the Rockies, giving up five runs over three innings. He’s struggled over the past month with just one win in his last six starts and a 5.91 ERA over that stretch. Corbin took a no-decision in his last start against the Giants on Sept. 3 after allowing four runs over five frames.

After being left off the Giants’ postseason roster in 2010, Zito has secured a spot this year after a strong campaign. He held Arizona to one run in 6 2/3 innings last Saturday, and he’s 3-0 with a 3.17 ERA in his last five starts. Zito has gone 6-8 with a 5.01 ERA in 20 career games against the Diamondbacks.

WALK-OFFS

1. Buster Posey became the first Giant since Barry Bonds in 2004 to reach 100 RBIs on Wednesday.

2. Arizona LHP Wade Miley’s rookie of the year campaign took a hit on Wednesday when he allowed four runs (three earned) over four innings.

3. Matt Cain and Madison Bumgarner are the first Giants pitching duo since 1993 to each win 16 games.