The Arizona Diamondbacks' Remarkable Turnaround: From Under .500 to Postseason Contenders
As recently as June 28, the Arizona Diamondbacks found themselves in a precarious position. With a record of 39-43, the team was struggling to break even and stood 3 1/2 games behind the third wild-card spot. To complicate matters, four other teams were also vying for that elusive postseason berth. The Diamondbacks were lagging 11 1/2 games behind the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West, and things were looking bleak.
Fast forward to August 14, and the situation couldn't be more different. The Diamondbacks now reign atop the wild-card race, boasting a six-game cushion for a postseason berth. This extraordinary change in fortune is underpinned by an impressive 29-10 record since June 29. Arizona has clinched nine of their last ten games and 17 of their last 20, losses that came by a mere combined total of four runs. Remarkably, the team hasn't lost a series since late June, holding a 12-0-1 record in 13 series since then.
While it would be easy to chalk up this turnaround to one or two standout performances, the truth is far more complex and intriguing.
Overcoming Adversity
The Diamondbacks' journey hasn't been without its challenges. Key players like Christian Walker and Gabriel Moreno have been sidelined with injuries—Walker with an oblique strain since July 30 and Moreno with a recent groin strain. Even their closer, Paul Sewald, had to be removed from his role due to struggles on the mound. Yet, despite these setbacks, Arizona has managed to maintain its winning momentum.
Corbin Carroll's resurgence has played a pivotal role in the Diamondbacks' success. On June 5, Carroll's batting line stood at a disappointing .192/.278/.279 over 254 plate appearances. Since then, however, he has turned his performance around dramatically, now slashing .248/.336/.491 in his last 243 plate appearances.
Other players have also stepped up in crucial moments. Josh Bell is hitting an impressive .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games, while Jake McCarthy has been almost unstoppable, hitting .460/.477/.730 in his last 17 games. "It's been awesome. But, you know, we want to continue to improve on this, and take this into September and the postseason," McCarthy said, summing up the team's determination.
Pitching Depth
Arizona's pitching staff has been equally vital to their winning ways. The Diamondbacks have utilized 14 different starting pitchers this season, showcasing both depth and resilience. The current rotation of Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt has been particularly effective.
Merrill Kelly recently made a triumphant return, holding the Phillies to two runs over five innings. Eduardo Rodriguez has already made two solid starts since his season debut last week. Meanwhile, Justin Martinez has been a revelation as the new closer, going 3 for 3 in save opportunities. The recent addition of A.J. Puk has further solidified the bullpen; he has given up just one run while striking out 11 batters in 6 2/3 innings since joining the squad.
Offensive Firepower
The Diamondbacks' batting lineup has been scorching hot, hitting .305/.368/.565 over the past 20 games. This offensive surge has resulted in the team averaging an impressive 6.90 runs per game during this period. Adrian Del Castillo secured a win with a walk-off homer against the Phillies, and Alek Thomas contributed a crucial game-tying two-run single against the Blue Jays. Not to be outdone, the designated hitter (DH) platoon of Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson has been immensely productive, hitting .287/.379/.519 with 26 home runs.
Skyrocketing Odds
Arizona's remarkable 17-3 stretch has had a significant impact on their postseason prospects. According to FanGraphs, their odds of making the playoffs have skyrocketed from 40.5% to an astounding 91.5%.
The Diamondbacks' transformation from a team struggling to stay above .500 to wild-card leaders is one of the most compelling stories in baseball this season. With contributions coming from all corners of the roster and a collective resolve to overcome setbacks, Arizona has positioned itself as a formidable postseason contender. If their recent performance is any indication, the Diamondbacks are a team no one will want to face in October.