MLB Manager Torey Lovullo seeks counsel from his 92-year-old mother amidst the D-backs' struggle
PHOENIX, Ariz. — In a shocking turn of events, the Arizona Diamondbacks — who boast the highest projected payroll in their franchise's history — find themselves mired in a seven-game losing streak, with their manager Torey Lovullo seeking inspiration from an unexpected source: his 92-year-old mother.
Grace Lovullo's advice was simple yet profound: discard the analytics and rely on instinct. Lovullo, a self-proclaimed "gut manager," embraced the sentiment, acknowledging that a season filled with high expectations has so far fallen short of expectations.
"I'm looking for performance, I'm looking for players to step up in crucial moments, and to deliver wins," Lovullo said, his concerns clear.
The Diamondbacks' bullpen has been a major source of concern, with their combined 5.49 ERA ranking among the lowest in the league. The relief corps has squandered multiple leads, giving up seven runs in the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, which ultimately resulted in a heartbreaking 9-6 loss.
Key members of the bullpen, such as hard-throwing right-handed pitcher Kevin Ginkel, have been demoted to Triple-A as Lovullo searches for a consistent closing unit. Jeff Brigham, a seasoned right-hander, has been called up to take Ginkel's spot on the roster.
Defensive lapses have also hampered the D-backs, with 29 errors placing them in the middle of the pack in MLB. Mistakes that don't show up in the score sheet, like missed cutoffs and poor reads on fly balls, have beenparticularly prevalent late in games. These errors have contributed to a disappointing 8-11 record in one-run games and a 2-4 record in extra innings.
However, there are reasons for optimism. Rookie outfielder Corbin Carroll, second baseman Ketel Marte, and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo have formed a productive lineup that has ranked among the best in the league. Perdomo, a surprising standout, has already tied his career-high with six home runs and is second on the team with 39 RBIs.
Lovullo moved Perdomo into the No. 3 spot in the lineup for the first time this season, signaling his growing confidence in the young shortstop.
Ace right-hander Corbin Burnes, who signed a $210 million, six-year deal in the offseason, has a 2.72 ERA, and Merrill Kelly, Brandon Pfaadt, and Ryne Nelson have also been solid.
"This team has the ability to turn things around quickly," Lovullo said confidently, expressing hope that the team's struggles are just a temporary setback.
The struggles of the Diamondbacks are not unique within the NL West, as the entire division has experienced a dip in performance after a strong start to the season. This has kept the D-backs from falling too far behind, with a seven-game deficit separating them from the division leaders, the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants.
Players remain unfazed by the poor stretch, citing past experience with similar situations and expressing confidence in their ability to bounce back.
"We've been in these tough stretches before, and we've been able to recover. Knowing that gives us confidence," designated hitter Pavin Smith said.
Sources:
[1] Day, Piet / Mitchell, Betsy. "Arizona Diamondbacks relievers struggling with inconsistency." ESPN, May 10, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/36060672/arizona-diamondbacks-relievers-struggling-inconsistency
[2] Kravitz, Adam. "Arizona Diamondbacks News: Corbin Burnes, Zack Greinke Trade Rumors, Snake Pit Predictions." Rant Sports, May 13, 2023. Retrieved from https://rantsports.com/mlb/items/arizona-diamondbacks-news-corbin-burnes-zack-greinke-trade-rumors-snake-pit-predictions/
[3] Doolittle, Jon. "MLB Power Rankings: May 8." SB Nation, May 8, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2023/5/8/23725507/mlb-power-rankings-may-8-mlb-rankings-teams-rafael-devers-weather-impact
[4] Weiss, Brandon. "Arizona Diamondbacks retain José Castillo, acquire minor leaguer from Mets." MLB Trade Rumors, May 12, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/05/arizona-diamondbacks-retain-jose-castillo-acquire-minor-leaguer-from-mets.html
"Despite the struggles, the Arizona Diamondbacks are looking towards positive changes, with key members of their lineup performing exceptionally well. Rookie outfielder Corbin Carroll, second baseman Ketel Marte, and shortstop Geraldo Perdomo have combined to form a potent lineup that ranks among the best in the Majors League Baseball, giving fans in Toronto, and sports enthusiasts across North America, a glimmer of hope for a turnaround."
"With the entire NL West division experiencing a dip in performance, the Diamondbacks find themselves seven games behind the division leaders, the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants. As they aim to climb up the rankings, manager Torey Lovullo remains optimistic, echoing the sentiments of his players: 'This team has the ability to turn things around quickly'."
