The Arizona Diamondbacks' Meteoric Rise from Underdogs to Contenders
As recently as June 28, the Arizona Diamondbacks found themselves in a precarious situation with their 39-43 record. They were under .500 and trailed the third wild-card spot by 3 1/2 games with four teams ahead of them. In the NL West, they lagged behind the Los Angeles Dodgers by 11 1/2 games. It seemed like another underwhelming season was in the cards.
However, fast forward to August 14, and the Diamondbacks now stand atop the wild-card race, holding a six-game cushion for a postseason berth. This dramatic turnaround is underscored by their impressive 29-10 record since June 29. The team has won nine of their last ten games and 17 of their last 20, with their three losses coming by a combined four runs. Remarkably, they haven't lost a series since late June, boasting a 12-0-1 record in 13 series since June 27.
Part of this success has come despite significant challenges. Christian Walker has been sidelined with an oblique strain since July 30, and Gabriel Moreno suffered a groin strain last week. Additionally, closer Paul Sewald had to be removed from his role due to struggles, further adding to the chaos. Yet, the Diamondbacks have shown resilience and depth, which might explain their current standing.
Corbin Carroll's Transformation
One of the standout narratives has been the resurgence of Corbin Carroll. As of June 5, Carroll was underperforming with a batting line of .192/.278/.279 in 254 plate appearances. However, in his last 243 plate appearances, he has transformed his statistics to a much-improved .248/.336/.491. This uptick in performance has been crucial for Arizona's lineup.
Contributions from Key Players
Josh Bell has also added to the team's offensive power, hitting .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games. Meanwhile, Jake McCarthy has been nothing short of sensational, hitting .460/.477/.730 in his last 17 games. The offensive surge extends to the broader team, which is hitting a collective .305/.368/.565 over the past 20 games, averaging 6.90 runs per game over that stretch.
"It's been awesome. But, you know, we want to continue to improve on this, and take this into September and the postseason," said McCarthy, reflecting the team's energy and optimism.
Pitching Rotation and Bullpen Reinforcements
The Diamondbacks have used 14 different starting pitchers this season, which speaks volumes about their adaptability and depth. The current rotation includes Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt. Kelly, who recently returned, held the Phillies to two runs over five innings, showcasing his reliability. Eduardo Rodriguez has also made his mark with two starts since his season debut last week.
The bullpen adjustments have been equally impactful. Justin Martinez is 3-for-3 in save opportunities since taking over the closer's role. Additionally, A.J. Puk has become a dependable figure, surrendering just one run while striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings since joining the team.
Clutch Performances
Individual clutch performances have elevated the team’s morale. Adrian Del Castillo's walk-off homer against the Phillies and Alek Thomas' game-tying two-run single against the Blue Jays are just two examples of how different players have stepped up in crucial moments. Moreover, the designated hitter platoon of Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson has been productive, hitting .287/.379/.519 with 26 home runs.
Postseason Prospects
During their impressive 17-3 stretch, Arizona’s postseason odds have experienced a significant jump. According to FanGraphs, their playoff odds moved from 40.5% to a commanding 91.5%, offering a statistical testament to their surge.
With the postseason in sight, the Arizona Diamondbacks' journey from underdogs to legitimate contenders is one of the most remarkable stories in Major League Baseball this season. Their resilience, bolstered by notable individual performances and strategic adjustments, has propelled them to a position no one could have predicted just a couple of months ago.