Turnaround Tale: Diamondbacks' Impressive Run to Postseason Contention
As recently as June 28, the Arizona Diamondbacks stood at 39-43. They found themselves below .500 and trailing the third wild-card spot by 3 1/2 games with four teams ahead of them. The situation was even more dire in the NL West, where they lagged 11 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Flash forward to August 14, and the Diamondbacks now sit atop the wild-card race, boasting a six-game cushion for a postseason berth. This transformation can be attributed to an astonishing 29-10 record since June 29. Over their last 20 games, they’ve won 17, including nine of their previous ten. Even their three losses in this period came by a combined four runs. The last time they lost a series was in late June, showcasing a remarkable 12-0-1 record in their past 13 series since June 27.
Key Players and Stellar Performances
The Diamondbacks have pieced together this remarkable run despite facing significant challenges. Christian Walker has been sidelined with an oblique strain since July 30, and Gabriel Moreno recently suffered a groin strain. The team also had to remove Paul Sewald from the closer role due to struggles. Yet, these setbacks have not deterred their momentum.
Corbin Carroll is a prime example of resilience and improvement. As of June 5, his batting line was a dismal .192/.278/.279 in 254 plate appearances. Fast forward a bit, and Carroll is now hitting .248/.336/.491 in his last 243 plate appearances, a stark improvement that has significantly contributed to the team's resurgence.
Other standout performers include Josh Bell, who is hitting .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games, and Jake McCarthy, who boasts an astonishing .460/.477/.730 in 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 shared, highlighting their determination.
Pitching Prowess
The Diamondbacks have had to juggle their pitching staff throughout the season, using 14 different starting pitchers. Currently, their rotation includes Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt. Kelly's return saw him holding the Phillies to just two runs over five innings, while Rodriguez has already contributed two starts since his season debut last week.
Justin Martinez has stepped up in the closer role, going 3-for-3 in save opportunities. A.J. Puk has also emerged as a reliable bullpen arm, surrendering just one run while striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings since joining the team.
Offensive Onslaught
The Diamondbacks' offense has been nothing short of electrifying. Over the past 20 games, they are collectively hitting .305/.368/.565 and averaging 6.90 runs per game. Highlights include Adrian Del Castillo’s walk-off homer against the Phillies and Alek Thomas’ clutch game-tying two-run single against the Blue Jays. The designated hitter platoon of Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson has also been formidable, hitting .287/.379/.519 with 26 home runs.
Optimism for the Future
This impressive 17-3 stretch has had a dramatic impact on Arizona's postseason odds. According to FanGraphs, their chances of making it to the playoffs have jumped from 40.5% to a remarkable 91.5%. The Diamondbacks’ resurgence is a testament to their depth, resilience, and the ability to rise to challenges. If they continue this trajectory, they’ll be a force to reckon with as they aim for postseason glory.