Arizona Diamondbacks Surge to Wild-Card Leader with Stellar Performances
As recently as June 28, the Arizona Diamondbacks were navigating rocky terrain with a 39-43 record. Dusk seemed to settle over their playoff hopes, trailing the third wild-card spot by 3 1/2 games with four teams ahead of them. The team also lagged a substantial 11 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, but a remarkable transformation has vaulted them to a prime position.
By August 14, the Diamondbacks found themselves perched atop the wild-card race, enjoying a comfortable six-game cushion for a postseason berth. This dramatic turnaround can be attributed to their phenomenal 29-10 record since June 29. Riding a wave of momentum, Arizona has clinched victories in nine of their last ten games and 17 of their last 20, a feat rivaled by only the best in baseball.
The Diamondbacks have managed to edge out their opponents, with their three losses coming by a combined total of just four runs. Additionally, the team hasn't lost a series since late June, boasting an impressive 12-0-1 record in their last 13 series since June 27.
A crucial part of their success has been the collective effort of the team, despite facing setbacks with injuries. Christian Walker, who has been sidelined with an oblique strain since July 30, and Gabriel Moreno, who suffered a groin strain last week, are notable absences. Moreover, the team had to adjust their bullpen dynamics when Paul Sewald was removed from the closer's role due to struggles. Justin Martinez stepped up, converting all three save opportunities since taking over the role.
A significant turnaround came from Corbin Carroll, who had a grim batting line of .192/.278/.279 in 254 plate appearances as of June 5. Carroll has since revitalized his performance, slashing .248/.336/.491 in his last 243 plate appearances. Josh Bell and Jake McCarthy have also been pivotal to the Diamondbacks' resurgence. Bell has posted a stellar .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games, while McCarthy is hitting an eye-popping .460/.477/.730 in his last 17 games.
Despite using 14 different starting pitchers this season, the current rotation has stabilized with Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt. Kelly marked his return by holding the Phillies to two runs over five innings, and Rodriguez has contributed two starts since his season debut last week. The bullpen has also seen reinforcements with A.J. Puk, who has given up just one run while striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings since joining the team.
Offensively, the Diamondbacks have been scorching hot. Over the past 20 games, they’re hitting .305/.368/.565 and averaging a noteworthy 6.90 runs per game. Key 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. The designated hitter platoon of Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson has also been highly productive, hitting .287/.379/.519 with 26 home runs.
This extraordinary stretch has seen the Diamondbacks' postseason odds leap from 40.5% to a commanding 91.5%, according to FanGraphs.
Reflecting on the recent success, outfielder Jake McCarthy expressed the collective drive of the team: “It's been awesome. But, you know, we want to continue to improve on this, and take this into September and the postseason.”
As the Arizona Diamondbacks continue this electrifying run, they not only capture the attention of their competition but also reignite the enthusiasm of their fan base. The blend of newfound resilience, critical performances, and strategic management has set the stage for what could be an exhilarating postseason journey.