Arizona Diamondbacks: From Doubts to Dominance
As the summer unfolded, the Arizona Diamondbacks orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Major League Baseball. Facing a less-than-promising future on June 28 with a 39-43 record, they were under .500 and trailed the third wild-card slot by 3 1/2 games with four teams ahead of them. The Los Angeles Dodgers loomed large 11 1/2 games ahead in the NL West.
Fast forward to August 14, and the narrative has dramatically shifted. The Diamondbacks are at the forefront of the wild-card race, enjoying a comfortable six-game cushion for a postseason berth. Arizona's resurgence is underscored by an impressive 29-10 record since June 29, including winning nine of their last ten games and 17 of their last 20. Those three losses came by a scant four runs combined. They haven't lost a series since late June, compiling a stellar 12-0-1 record in their last 13 matchups.
Key Players Overcoming Obstacles
Underpinning this surge are players who have persevered through personal challenges. Christian Walker has been sidelined with an oblique strain since July 30, while Gabriel Moreno suffered a groin strain last week. Closer Paul Sewald had to be removed from his role due to struggles, but new contributors have risen to fill the gaps.
One notable resurgence is Corbin Carroll. As of June 5, Carroll's batting average was a disappointing .192/.278/.279. However, he's rebounded phenomenally, slashing .248/.336/.491 in his last 243 plate appearances. Josh Bell has also been a key offensive asset, hitting .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games. Meanwhile, Jake McCarthy is boasting a scorching .460/.477/.730 over his last 17 games. "It's been awesome. But, you know, we want to continue to improve on this, and take this into September and the postseason," McCarthy remarked, reflecting the team's determined mindset.
Pitching Staff Undergoing Transformation
The Diamondbacks’ pitching rotation has seen its fair share of disruption, utilizing 14 different starting pitchers throughout the season. Their current rotation—Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt—stands as a testament to adaptation and resilience.
Kelly returned to form by holding the Phillies to two runs over five innings. Rodriguez has seamlessly integrated, contributing two solid starts since rejoining the team last week. Justin Martinez has been flawless in his new closer role, converting all three save opportunities thus far. Further strengthening the bullpen, A.J. Puk has allowed just one run while striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings since joining the team.
Offensive Surge Drives Team Success
Arizona's offensive prowess has been a critical factor in their recent success. Over the past 20 games, the Diamondbacks' offense has slashed an imposing .305/.368/.565 while averaging an impressive 6.90 runs per game. Adrian Del Castillo and Alek Thomas have also provided clutch moments, with Del Castillo hitting a walk-off homer against the Phillies and Thomas delivering a game-tying two-run single against the Blue Jays.
The designated hitter platoon of Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson has been particularly effective, combining for a .287/.379/.519 line with 26 home runs. During their recent 17-3 stretch, Arizona's postseason odds catapulted from 40.5% to 91.5%, according to FanGraphs.
Underpinning this surge has been a mix of persistent individual efforts and tactical team changes. While their rise has been nothing short of spectacular, the Diamondbacks aren't resting on their laurels. As Jake McCarthy aptly summarized, the team aims to keep this momentum rolling through September and into the postseason.