The Unlikely Surge of the Arizona Diamondbacks: From Mediocrity to Contenders
As recently as June 28, the Arizona Diamondbacks were a team struggling to find their footing. With a 39-43 record, they were under .500, trailing the third wild-card spot by 3 1/2 games with four teams ahead of them. To add to their plight, they lagged 11 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Fast forward to August 14, and the Diamondbacks find themselves atop the wild-card race with a comfortable six-game cushion for a postseason berth.
The Diamondbacks have gone 29-10 since June 29, an impressive turnaround by any measure. Over their past 20 games, they have won 17, including nine of their last ten contests. Remarkably, their three losses during this stretch came by a combined four runs, underscoring their competitiveness even in defeat. Furthermore, they have yet to lose a series since late June, posting a 12-0-1 record in 13 series since June 27.
Key Players Stepping Up
While the team’s collective effort cannot be understated, individual performances have played a significant role in this resurgence. Christian Walker has been sidelined with an oblique strain since July 30, and Gabriel Moreno suffered a groin strain last week. Despite these setbacks, the team has found ways to succeed. Corbin Carroll, who had a batting line of .192/.278/.279 in 254 plate appearances as of June 5, is now slashing .248/.336/.491 in his last 243 plate appearances, showing marked improvement at the plate.
Josh Bell has also been a significant contributor, hitting .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games. Similarly, Jake McCarthy has been on fire, posting a .460/.477/.730 batting line 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 said, reflecting the team’s mindset.
Pitching Staff Holds Steady
The Diamondbacks have used 14 different starting pitchers this season, showcasing their depth and flexibility. The current rotation includes Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt. Merrill Kelly held the Phillies to two runs over five innings during his return, while Eduardo Rodriguez has contributed two starts since making his season debut last week.
Justin Martinez has seamlessly stepped into the closer's role, going 3 for 3 in save opportunities. Meanwhile, A.J. Puk has been stellar, surrendering just one run while striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings since joining the team. Such performances have bolstered a pitching staff that has been tested throughout the season.
Unstoppable Offense
The Diamondbacks' offense has been nothing short of spectacular. Over the past 20 games, the team is hitting .305/.368/.565 and averaging 6.90 runs per game. Key moments have defined this offensive surge: Adrian Del Castillo hit a walk-off homer against the Phillies, and Alek Thomas delivered a clutch game-tying two-run single against the Blue Jays.
The designated hitter platoon of Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson has also been highly effective, hitting .287/.379/.519 with 26 home runs. All these factors combined have turned the Diamondbacks into a formidable offensive unit.
Changing Postseason Odds
During their 17-3 stretch, the Diamondbacks' postseason odds have jumped from 40.5% to 91.5%, according to FanGraphs. This dramatic increase reflects just how significant their recent performance has been, transforming them from outsiders to serious contenders.
Looking Forward
The Diamondbacks' journey over the past couple of months serves as a testament to the team's resilience and determination. With key players stepping up and the pitching staff holding firm, they have become a force to be reckoned with in the NL West. As they aim to carry this momentum into September and beyond, fans and analysts alike are watching to see if they can sustain their remarkable run.