The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Meteoric Rise: From Struggling to Soaring
As recently as June 28, the Arizona Diamondbacks found themselves in a precarious position. They were 39-43, under .500, and trailing the third wild-card spot by 3 1/2 games. The standings showed them 11 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, with four teams ahead of them in the wild-card race. Fast forward to August 14, and this narrative has seen a dramatic shift.
In a remarkable turn of events, the Diamondbacks now sit atop the wild-card race, enjoying a six-game cushion for a postseason berth. Since June 29, they have compiled an impressive 29-10 record, winning nine of their last ten games and 17 of their last 20. This extraordinary run includes close competitions, with their three losses by a combined four runs, and a flawless 12-0-1 record in their last 13 series.
Overcoming Adversity
The Diamondbacks' success is even more striking considering the setbacks they have faced. Key players have been sidelined with injuries: Christian Walker has been out with an oblique strain since July 30, and Gabriel Moreno suffered a groin strain last week. Additionally, Paul Sewald had to be removed from the closer's role due to struggles. Despite these challenges, the team has showcased remarkable depth and resilience.
Player Highlights
Corbin Carroll's performance exemplifies the team's resurgence. On June 5, Carroll's batting line stood at a lackluster .192/.278/.279 over 254 plate appearances. However, in his last 243 plate appearances, he has turned things around dramatically, posting a much-improved .248/.336/.491. Another stand-out is Josh Bell, hitting .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games. Meanwhile, Jake McCarthy has been phenomenal, hitting .460/.477/.730 in his last 17 games.
Pitching Resilience
Arizona's pitching rotation has also seen significant contributions from various players. The team has utilized 14 different starting pitchers this season, an impressive feat. Currently, their rotation includes Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt. Kelly held the Phillies to two runs over five innings in his return, while Rodriguez has already contributed two starts since his season debut last week. Moreover, Justin Martinez, who took over as closer, is 3-for-3 in save opportunities, and A.J. Puk has been dominant, surrendering just one run while striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings since joining the team.
Offensive Surge
The Diamondbacks’ offensive lineup has been formidable, hitting .305/.368/.565 over the past 20 games. This surge has led to an average of 6.90 runs per game during this stretch. Noteworthy moments include Adrian Del Castillo’s walk-off homer against the Phillies and Alek Thomas' clutch game-tying two-run single against the Blue Jays. Additionally, the designated hitter platoon of Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson has been potent, hitting .287/.379/.519 with 26 home runs.
Aiming for Postseason
During this 17-3 stretch, Arizona’s postseason odds have soared from 40.5% to a staggering 91.5%, according to FanGraphs. Reflecting on the team's progress and future potential, Jake McCarthy remarked, "It's been awesome. But, you know, we want to continue to improve on this, and take this into September and the postseason."
With their eyes set on the postseason, the Diamondbacks have transformed from a struggling team to a favorite in the wild-card race. If their current trajectory is any indication, they will be a formidable contender come October. The journey from underdogs to postseason hopefuls demonstrates their incredible resilience and determination, hallmarks of a team that could go far in Major League Baseball.