The Rise of the Arizona Diamondbacks: From Struggling Contenders to Dominating the Field
As recently as June 28, the Arizona Diamondbacks were grappling with a 39-43 record, languishing below .500. Trailing the third wild-card spot by 3 1/2 games with four teams ahead of them and 11 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, their postseason aspirations seemed a distant dream. Fast forward to August 14, and the Diamondbacks not only top the wild-card race but also hold a comfortable six-game cushion for a postseason berth.
The turnaround is nothing short of spectacular. With a 29-10 record since June 29, Arizona has demonstrated remarkable resilience and focus. The team has amassed nine wins in their last ten games and an impressive 17 out of their last 20. The three losses during this period were by a razor-thin combined margin of four runs. Notably, they have not lost a series since late June, boasting a 12-0-1 record in 13 series since June 27.
Key Players and Performance
This surge in performance happened even in the face of injuries and roster changes. Christian Walker has been sidelined with an oblique strain since July 30, while Gabriel Moreno suffered a groin strain last week. Additionally, closer Paul Sewald was removed from his role due to struggles. Yet, the Diamondbacks have weathered these setbacks admirably.
One of the standout performers in this dramatic turnaround is Corbin Carroll. After posting a .192/.278/.279 line in 254 plate appearances as of June 5, Carroll has improved to a .248/.336/.491 line over his last 243 plate appearances. Meanwhile, Josh Bell has been a revelation, hitting .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games, and Jake McCarthy has been on a tear, hitting .460/.477/.730 in his last 17 games.
The pitching staff has also played a critical role. The Diamondbacks have used 14 different starting pitchers this season, showcasing their depth and adaptability. The current rotation includes Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt. Kelly, in particular, made a strong return by holding the Phillies to two runs over five innings in his return, while Rodriguez has already contributed two starts since his season debut last week.
In the bullpen, Justin Martinez has seamlessly taken over the closer’s role, going 3 for 3 in save opportunities. A.J. Puk has been exceptional, surrendering just one run and striking out 11 batters in 6 2/3 innings since joining the team. This solid pitching foundation has been complemented by an explosive offense that has hit .305/.368/.565 and averaged 6.90 runs per game over the past 20 games.
Timely Hits and Strategic Moves
Tactical precision has been another hallmark of the Diamondbacks' resurgence. Adrian Del Castillo’s walk-off homer against the Phillies and Alek Thomas’s game-tying two-run single against the Blue Jays exemplify the team's ability to deliver in clutch moments. Furthermore, the DH platoon of Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson has hit .287/.379/.519 with 26 home runs, providing consistent power and production.
Even amidst individual setbacks, the team has thrived. “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, highlighting the team’s unwavering commitment to continuous improvement.
The cumulative effect of these efforts is reflected in the Diamondbacks' postseason odds, which have soared from 40.5% to an astounding 91.5% during their 17-3 stretch, according to FanGraphs. As they continue to build on this momentum, the Diamondbacks have emerged as a formidable force in Major League Baseball, with their eyes set firmly on making a deep postseason run.