Astounding Turnaround: Diamondbacks' Meteoric Rise to Wild-Card Contention
As recently as June 28, the Arizona Diamondbacks found themselves at a crossroads, sitting at a precarious 39-43, under .500 in the standings. They trailed the third wild-card spot by 3 1/2 games with four teams ahead of them and lagged 11 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West. Fast forward to August 14, and the Diamondbacks' fortunes have dramatically turned around. The team now stands atop the wild-card race, boasting a comfortable six-game cushion for a postseason berth.
Remarkable Record Since June 29
Since June 29, the Diamondbacks have compiled an impressive 29-10 record, positioning them as one of the hottest teams in baseball. 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. Arizona hasn't lost a series since late June, holding an extraordinary 12-0-1 record in their last 13 series. This relentless performance has vaulted them into serious postseason contention.
Key Players Leading the Charge
Key contributions from several players have spurred this remarkable surge. Christian Walker has been sidelined with an oblique strain since July 30, and Gabriel Moreno suffered a groin strain last week. Despite these setbacks, other players have stepped up. Paul Sewald had to be removed from the closer's role due to struggles, but Justin Martinez has filled in admirably, going 3 for 3 in save opportunities since taking over. A.J. Puk has also been a revelation, surrendering just one run while striking out 11 batters in 6 2/3 innings since joining the team.
Offensively, Corbin Carroll has turned his season around in spectacular fashion. On June 5, he had a batting line of .192/.278/.279 in 254 plate appearances. However, in his last 243 plate appearances, he is now slashing .248/.336/.491. Josh Bell has also been a significant contributor, hitting .300/.352/.660 with four home runs in just 14 games, while Jake McCarthy is torching opposing pitchers with a .460/.477/.730 line in his last 17 games.
McCarthy encapsulated the team's mindset perfectly: "It's been awesome. But, you know, we want to continue to improve on this and take this into September and the postseason."
Strong Rotational Depth
The Diamondbacks have used 14 different starting pitchers this season, showcasing their depth and resilience. The current rotation features Merrill Kelly, Jordan Montgomery, Eduardo Rodriguez, Zac Gallen, and Brandon Pfaadt. Kelly held the Phillies to two runs over five innings during his return, while Rodriguez has contributed two solid starts since his season debut last week. This rotation depth has been crucial in maintaining the team's competitive edge.
Offensive Surge
Arizona's offense has been firing on all cylinders, hitting .305/.368/.565 over the past 20 games and averaging an astonishing 6.90 runs per game during this span. This surge has been punctuated by clutch performances, such as Adrian Del Castillo's walk-off homer against the Phillies and Alek Thomas' game-tying two-run single against the Blue Jays. The designated hitter platoon of Randal Grichuk and Joc Pederson has been another bright spot, hitting a combined .287/.379/.519 with 26 home runs.
During the 17-3 stretch, the Diamondbacks’ postseason odds jumped from a modest 40.5% to a commanding 91.5%, according to FanGraphs. This leap in postseason probability is a testament to their sustained excellence and refusal to bow out of the race.
Conclusion
The Arizona Diamondbacks' midseason turnaround has been nothing short of miraculous. From trailing in the wild-card race and lagging behind in their division, they now find themselves in control of their postseason destiny. With key players stepping up and a roster demonstrating both depth and resilience, the Diamondbacks are poised to make a significant impact as the season progresses. Arizona's remarkable journey from also-rans to wild-card leaders is a testament to their determination and tenacity.