As of June 28, the Arizona Diamondbacks were floundering, holding a 39-43 record. They sat below .500 and were 3 1/2 games out of the third wild-card spot, with four teams ahead of them and an 11 1/2 game gap behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Fast forward to August 14, and the Diamondbacks have turned their season around dramatically, leading the wild-card race with a substantial six-game cushion for a postseason berth.
Since June 29, Arizona has been on a tear, boasting a 29-10 record, showcasing the resilience and talent within the team. In their recent streak, they've won nine of their last ten games and 17 of their last 20, with their three losses coming by a combined total of just four runs. Remarkably, they haven’t lost a series since late June, achieving a stellar 12-0-1 series record over their last 13 matchups.
Key Players Step Up
The team's success has been driven by several key players overcoming adversity. Although sidelined with an oblique strain since July 30, Christian Walker's absence hasn’t dampened the team's momentum. Similarly, Gabriel Moreno's groin strain last week didn't halt Arizona's charge. Even with Paul Sewald removed from the closer's role due to struggles, the team has found ways to thrive, particularly with Corbin Carroll stepping up. As of June 5, Carroll struggled with a batting line of .192/.278/.279 over 254 plate appearances, but he has since improved dramatically, now slashing .248/.336/.491 in his last 243 plate appearances.
Jake McCarthy's recent performance has also been instrumental. Over his last 17 games, McCarthy is hitting an impressive .460/.477/.730, contributing significantly to the Diamondbacks' offensive surge. "It's been awesome. But, you know, we want to continue to improve on this, and take this into September and the postseason," McCarthy stated, reflecting the team's hunger for continued success.
Pitching Staff Shines
Arizona’s pitching staff has been resilient despite the challenges they've faced. The team has utilized 14 different starting pitchers this season, yet their current rotation of Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt has been effective. Merrill Kelly's return saw him hold the Phillies to two runs over five innings, while Eduardo Rodriguez has made a noticeable impact with two solid starts since his season debut last week.
In the bullpen, Justin Martinez has embraced the closer's role, converting all three of his save opportunities. Additionally, A.J. Puk has been a reliable asset, surrendering just one run while striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings since joining the Diamondbacks.
Offensive Firepower
The Diamondbacks' offense has been formidable, hitting .305/.368/.565 over their past 20 games, averaging an incredible 6.90 runs per game in that span. Contributions have come from various players, with Josh Bell hitting .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games. Meanwhile, Adrian Del Castillo delivered a walk-off homer against the Phillies, showcasing the team's clutch capabilities. Alek Thomas also came through with a crucial game-tying two-run single against the Blue Jays.
The designated hitter (DH) platoon of Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson has been effective as well, hitting .287/.379/.519 with 26 home runs, further adding to the offensive prowess.
During the 17-3 stretch, Arizona's postseason odds have surged from 40.5% to an impressive 91.5%, according to FanGraphs. This rapid improvement reflects not only the team’s talent but their resilience and ability to rally in crucial moments.
As the MLB season progresses, the Diamondbacks have proven they are a force to be reckoned with. Their combination of offensive firepower, effective pitching, and clutch performances has set them on a promising path towards the postseason. With their current momentum, Arizona is not only aiming for a wild-card spot but also looking to make a deep run into October.