Diamondbacks Soar to the Top Amid Resilient Run
As recently as late June, the Arizona Diamondbacks were teetering below the .500 mark, their playoff aspirations looking dim. Sporting a 39-43 record on June 28, they trailed the third NL wild-card spot by 3 1/2 games, with multiple teams standing in their path. The LA Dodgers loomed large ahead in the NL West, outpacing Arizona by 11 1/2 games. Fast forward to mid-August, and the narrative couldn’t be more different.
Since June 29, the Diamondbacks have emerged as one of the most impressive teams in Major League Baseball, compiling a 29-10 record. They have surged atop the wild-card race, now boasting a comfortable six-game cushion for a postseason berth. During this astonishing stretch, Arizona has won nine out of their last ten games and 17 of their past 20. Notably, their three losses came by a mere combined margin of four runs. Remarkably, they haven't lost a series since late June, holding an exceptional 12-0-1 record in their last 13 series since June 27.
Key Players Step Up Despite Adversity
The Diamondbacks' success story is even more commendable considering their recent injuries and roster adjustments. Christian Walker has been sidelined with an oblique strain since July 30, while Gabriel Moreno suffered a groin strain last week. Compounding these challenges, Paul Sewald, once the closer, had to be removed from the role due to struggles. Despite these setbacks, new faces have stepped up impressively.
Amid these changes, Justin Martinez has seamlessly transitioned into the closer role, successfully converting all three of his save opportunities. Furthermore, A.J. Puk has been a vital asset out of the bullpen, surrendering just one run while striking out 11 batters in 6 2/3 innings since joining the team.
Contributions from the Mound
The Diamondbacks' rotation has been instrumental in their resurgence. They've utilized 14 different starting pitchers this season, with the current rotation featuring Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt. Kelly has notably held the Phillies to just two runs over five innings in his return. Meanwhile, Rodriguez has added two crucial starts since making his season debut last week.
Offensive Explosion
The breadth of Arizona's offensive potential is on full display. Corbin Carroll, who had a sluggish start with a batting line of .192/.278/.279 in 254 plate appearances by June 5, has found his stride, now slashing .248/.336/.491 in his last 243 plate appearances. Additionally, Josh Bell has been a powerhouse, hitting .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games. Equally impressive, Jake McCarthy has surged with a stellar .460/.477/.730 batting line over his last 17 games.
Arizona's batting lineup has been relentless over the past twenty games, hitting a collective .305/.368/.565 and averaging nearly seven runs per game. These statistics are bolstered by key performances such as Adrian Del Castillo’s walk-off homer against the Phillies and Alek Thomas’ crucial game-tying two-run single against the Blue Jays. The DH platoon of Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson has also been formidable, combining for a .287/.379/.519 batting line with 26 home runs. These contributions have propelled the Diamondbacks into a prime position for the playoffs.
Surging Postseason Odds
The result of this 17-3 stretch is a dramatic leap in Arizona's postseason prospects. According to FanGraphs, their odds of making the playoffs have skyrocketed from 40.5% to a staggering 91.5%. This turnaround is fueled by a balanced combination of pitching resilience and offensive might.
Reflecting on the recent successes, outfielder Jake McCarthy remarked, "It's been awesome. But, you know, we want to continue to improve on this, and take this into September and the postseason." This sentiment encapsulates the team's mindset—building upon their momentum as they eye a deep postseason run.
Indeed, as Arizona charges forward, the Diamondbacks are no longer the underdogs. They are a formidable force, blending youth and experience, overcoming adversity, and embodying the quintessential spirit of resilience and determination. The strides they have made since late June exemplify a team that is not only talented but also tenacious, poised to make a significant impact in the playoffs.