Diamondbacks Surge to the Forefront of Wild-Card Race
As of June 28, the Arizona Diamondbacks were facing a challenging season. They stood at 39-43, falling under the .500 mark and trailing the third wild-card spot by 3 1/2 games with four teams ahead of them. The team lagged a staggering 11 1/2 games behind their divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the NL West.
Fast forward to August 14, and the Diamondbacks have dramatically turned their season around. They now lead the wild-card race and hold a six-game cushion for a postseason berth. This remarkable transformation has seen Arizona post a 29-10 record since June 29, including winning nine of their last ten games and 17 of their last 20. Notably, their three losses during this period came by a combined total of just four runs.
The Diamondbacks' resurgence has been underpinned by a series of impressive metrics. The team boasts a 12-0-1 record in 13 series since June 27, a testament to their consistency and ability to maintain form over extended periods. Even in the face of setbacks, such as Christian Walker being sidelined with an oblique strain since July 30 and Gabriel Moreno suffering a groin strain last week, the Diamondbacks have maintained their momentum.
Player Performances Key to Success
Several individual performances have stood out during the Diamondbacks' run. Corbin Carroll, who had been struggling with a batting line of .192/.278/.279 in 254 plate appearances as of June 5, has significantly improved, now slashing .248/.336/.491 in his last 243 plate appearances. Additionally, Josh Bell has been a force to be reckoned with, hitting .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games. Similarly, Jake McCarthy has been on fire, hitting .460/.477/.730 in his last 17 games.
The team's roster has seen numerous changes, with the Diamondbacks using 14 different starting pitchers this season. The current rotation includes Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt. Kelly, returning from an injury, held the Phillies to two runs over five innings. Meanwhile, Rodriguez has already made two starts since his season debut last week.
In the closer's role, Justin Martinez has stepped up, going 3 for 3 in save opportunities since taking over. A.J. Puk has also been a significant contributor, surrendering just one run while striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings since joining the team.
Offensive Prowess
Arizona's offense has been a juggernaut over the past 20 games, hitting .305/.368/.565 and averaging an impressive 6.90 runs per game. Notable moments include Adrian Del Castillo's walk-off homer against the Phillies and Alek Thomas's 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.
Looking toward the postseason, the Diamondbacks' odds have seen a substantial increase. During their 17-3 stretch, their postseason chances jumped from 40.5% to 91.5%, according to FanGraphs. The team’s recent form and statistical improvements highlight their readiness for the challenges ahead.
"It's been awesome. But, you know, we want to continue to improve on this, and take this into September and the postseason," said Jake McCarthy, reflecting the team's determined mindset as they aim to sustain their success.
As the Diamondbacks aim to carry their late-season momentum into the playoffs, their recent performance provides a solid foundation. With key players returning from injuries and others stepping up in crucial moments, Arizona is poised to make a significant impact in the postseason. Their dramatic turnaround since late June stands as a testament to their resilience, showcasing a team that has the potential to go far.