As recently as June 28, the Arizona Diamondbacks were 39-43. They were under .500 and trailed the third wild-card spot by 3 1/2 games with four teams ahead of them. They lagged 11 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Fast forward to August 14, this team stands atop the wild-card race and holds a six-game cushion for a postseason berth. This dramatic surge, characterized by a remarkable 29-10 record since June 29, is nothing short of spectacular.
The Diamondbacks have demonstrated resilience and consistency under pressure. Winning nine of their last ten games and 17 of their last 20, they’ve proven they are a team to be reckoned with. Their three losses over this stretch came by a combined four runs, underscoring their competitive edge. Moreover, they haven't lost a series since late June, boasting a 12-0-1 record in 13 series since June 27.
Key players have been instrumental in this turnaround. Christian Walker has been sidelined with an oblique strain since July 30 and Gabriel Moreno suffered a groin strain last week, yet the Diamondbacks have continued to thrive. Even with Paul Sewald removed from the closer's role due to struggles, the team has found ways to win.
Corbin Carroll's improvement has been a significant boost. Once struggling with a .192/.278/.279 slash line in 254 plate appearances as of June 5, Carroll has turned it around to a .248/.336/.491 line in his last 243 plate appearances. This resurgence has helped propel the Diamondbacks’ offense, which has been on a tear, hitting .305/.368/.565 over the past 20 games and averaging 6.90 runs per game.
High Performance by Key Hitters
Josh Bell has been a revelation, hitting .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games. Likewise, Jake McCarthy's recent performance is nothing short of phenomenal, hitting .460/.477/.730 in his last 17 games. Reflecting on the team's recent form, McCarthy enthused, "It's been awesome. But, you know, we want to continue to improve on this, and take this into September and the postseason."
The team has relied on a deep rotation, using 14 different starting pitchers this season. The current rotation, featuring Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt, has shown considerable depth and skill. Kelly held the Phillies to two runs over five innings in his return, while Rodriguez has contributed effectively since his season debut last week.
Closer by Committee
With Sewald's struggles necessitating a change 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 made significant contributions, surrendering just one run while striking out 11 in 6 2/3 innings since joining the team.
The Diamondbacks' resilience in tight situations has been evident. Adrian Del Castillo hit a dramatic walk-off homer against the Phillies, adding to the team’s late-game heroics. Alek Thomas also delivered a clutch game-tying two-run single against the Blue Jays, underlining the team’s ability to thrive under pressure.
The designated hitter (DH) platoon of Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson has been powerful, combining to hit .287/.379/.519 with 26 home runs. This balanced offensive attack has been pivotal during their 17-3 stretch, during which their postseason odds have jumped from 40.5% to 91.5%, according to FanGraphs.
In conclusion, the Arizona Diamondbacks have transformed their season through a blend of strong individual performances, resilient pitching, and a never-say-die attitude. As the postseason approaches, this team appears well-equipped to make a significant run, showcasing the depth and determination that have brought them this far.