MLB Playoff Potential for the Diamondbacks: Their Comeback Journey post-Trade Deadline Deals
Arizona Diamondbacks' Surge in Second Half of Season
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been making waves in Major League Baseball since the middle of August, securing wins and splits against some of the league's top teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and San Francisco Giants. This impressive run has propelled the Diamondbacks to a 59% winning percentage since August, a rate that prorates to around 96 wins over a full season.
At the heart of this revitalized team is Zac Gallen, who has been nothing short of phenomenal in his recent outings. In his last nine starts, Gallen has lasted at least six innings all but once, compiling a 2.68 ERA and a 3.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His resurgence is particularly notable, as he had a 5.60 ERA and a 2.57 strikeout-to-walk ratio in his first 22 starts. Gallen's game has changed, with an added emphasis on his changeup and a reduction in his curveball usage.
The Diamondbacks' rotation, led by Gallen, has been a force to reckon with. Fellow pitchers Eduardo Rodriguez, Brandon Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson, and Nabil Crismatt have combined to record quality starts in 20 of their 40 outings since August 1. Rodriguez has 4 quality starts in 9 outings, while Nelson and Pfaadt have each notched 5 and 3 quality starts respectively. Crismatt, despite making only 5 appearances, has delivered a quality start with an ERA of 2.70 and a SO/BB ratio of 3.00.
The Diamondbacks' offense has also been contributing to their success. Geraldo Perdomo, Corbin Carroll, and Gabriel Moreno have been top performers, with Perdomo hitting .321, Carroll batting .283, and Moreno hitting .319 since August 1. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Ketel Marte have both maintained OPS over .750 during this period.
However, not all acquisitions have paid off for the Diamondbacks. Tyler Locklear, obtained in a trade, has appeared in 31 games since the trade but has hit just .175/.267/.262 with an OPS of 47 and a strikeout rate of 37.1%. Juan Burgos, another trade acquisition, has struggled, surrendering 7 runs (6 earned) in 6 2⁄3 innings of work and has been demoted. Andrew Hoffmann, obtained in a trade, has averaged less than an inning per outing in his 7 relief appearances and hasn't pitched at the big-league level since mid-August.
Despite these setbacks, the Diamondbacks find themselves just two games behind the New York Mets for the National League's final wild card spot. With their impressive form and a strong rotation, the Diamondbacks are poised to make a late-season push for a playoff spot.
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