The Arizona Diamondbacks have dropped immeasurably since the MLB trade deadline, losing 9 consecutive games despite the acquisitions of closing pitcher Paul Sewald, outfielder Tommy Pham, reliever Peter Strzelecki, and utility man Jace Peterson.
Not to mention, the D-backs wildcard hopes are currently dwindling game-by-game with the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds holding a higher spot in the hunt for an NL wildcard spot. With less than half a season left before the playoffs, is it too late for a Diamondbacks resurgence? Was the hot start foreshadowing a potential downfall? Will the Diamondbacks live up to their “Answerbacks” narrative once more?
Currently, the Diamondbacks sit at 3rd in the NL West behind the likes of the Giants, who were significantly less active at the trade deadline, and the Dodgers who continue to cut through opposing pitching like butter.
Statistically, the D-backs are 4 games behind the 2nd-place Giants and 13 total games behind the 1st-place Dodgers. The real problem has come from the pitchers not named Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, not just in the starting rotation but also in the bullpen.
Post All-Star break, Diamondback starting pitcher Ryne Nelson has allowed 22 total runs in just 6 starts and an ERA uncomfortably sitting at 6.32, the highest among the Diamondback starters since the break. Additionally, closing pitcher Paul Sewald, who was acquired from the Seattle Mariners to address the bullpen issues dating back to the beginning of the season, has struggled heavily in his new threads.
In just 3 innings of work, Sewald has given up 2 home runs, both against the Minnesota Twins which cost the D-backs the game, and 2 saves in 4 total pitching appearances so far. To say the least, Diamondback pitching has hindered their post-All-Star Game success with an abysmal team pitching record of 7 wins and 21 losses over their last 28 games.
Despite the collapse of this young and talented Diamondbacks squad, it’s time to finally shy away from the negative and focus on some of the more positive aspects of their struggles. For instance, at least the adversity came early.
It may or may not sound like cherry-picking but when you realize that there are still 41 games left to go in the season, it should act as a comforter for what’s yet to come.
Within the next 41 games, the Diamondbacks also have two key home series versus the Reds and the Cubs, who currently hold a higher advantage to make a wildcard spot in the NL than the Diamondbacks.
This provides an opportunity for the Diamondbacks to suppress the records of both these teams, potentially opening up a window for them to make a strong push for a wildcard spot down the line.
All in all, the key as a Diamondbacks fan is to acknowledge that there’s still time, as hard as it may sound.
The Diamondbacks have officially hit rock bottom when referring to their lack of production in the rotation, bullpen, and management. In other words, it couldn’t possibly get any worse.
From one baseball fan to another, times like this are what separate the contenders from the pretenders, their ability to innovate. The Diamondbacks will correct these weaknesses sooner than later, you just have to give it time.
