Arizona Diamondbacks' Meteoric Rise: From Under .500 to Wild-Card Contenders
In the world of baseball, fortunes can change rapidly. Case in point: the Arizona Diamondbacks. As recently as June 28, the Diamondbacks were sitting at 39-43, trailing the third wild-card spot by 3 1/2 games with four teams ahead of them, and lagging 11 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Fast forward to August 14, and this team now reigns atop the wild-card race with a comfortable six-game cushion for a postseason berth.
This extraordinary turnaround is underpinned by an impressive 29-10 record since June 29. The Diamondbacks have won nine of their last ten games and an astounding 17 of their last 20. Their three losses during this stretch came by a combined margin of just four runs, and they haven't lost a series since late June, boasting a 12-0-1 record over their last 13 series. Jake McCarthy, reflecting the sentiments of the team, says, "It's been awesome. But, you know, we want to continue to improve on this, and take this into September and the postseason."
Key Players and Stellar Performances
Several key players have significantly propelled the Diamondbacks during this remarkable period. Christian Walker has been sidelined with an oblique strain since July 30, and Gabriel Moreno suffered a groin strain last week. Yet, the team has hardly missed a beat. Corbin Carroll, who had a batting line of .192/.278/.279 in 254 plate appearances as of June 5, has since found his groove, now slashing .248/.336/.491 in his last 243 plate appearances.
The contributions of Josh Bell and Jake McCarthy cannot be overstated. Bell is hitting .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games, while McCarthy is on a tear with a .460/.477/.730 line in his last 17 games. The Diamondbacks' deep roster has also been a boon, evidenced by the fact that they've used 14 different starting pitchers this season. The current rotation includes Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt. Kelly, in his return, held the Phillies to two runs over five innings, and Eduardo Rodriguez has made two starts since his season debut last week.
Pitching Stability
The stability and resilience of the Diamondbacks' bullpen have been pivotal. Paul Sewald had to be removed from the closer's role due to struggles, and since stepping up, Justin Martinez is 3 for 3 in save opportunities. A.J. Puk, a recent addition to the team, has surrendered just one run while striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings.
The offensive support has also been stellar. Over the past 20 games, the Diamondbacks' offense is hitting .305/.368/.565, averaging a staggering 6.90 runs per game. Adrian Del Castillo provided a thrilling 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 effective, hitting .287/.379/.519 with 26 home runs.
Postseason Aspirations
During their impressive 17-3 stretch, the Diamondbacks' postseason odds have surged from 40.5% to 91.5%, according to FanGraphs. This meteoric rise has the team and its fans buzzing with anticipation. The road ahead remains challenging, but if the Diamondbacks continue on this trajectory, they could become one of the most compelling stories in baseball this season.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have demonstrated tenacity and resilience, turning a season that once seemed destined for mediocrity into a potential wild-card triumph. With a blend of young talent and savvy veterans, they are well-positioned to make a substantial impact in the playoffs. The journey is far from over, but for now, the Diamondbacks are the team to watch. As McCarthy aptly puts it, the goal is clear: to carry this momentum into September and beyond.