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Source: https://www.azsnakepit.com/rss/index.xml

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<title>AZ Snake Pit - All Posts</title>
<subtitle>An unofficial Arizona Diamondbacks community and blog</subtitle>
<icon>https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47033/azsnakepit_f.png</icon>
<updated>2025-06-18T00:14:15-04:00</updated>
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<entry>
<published>2025-06-18T00:14:15-04:00</published>
<updated>2025-06-18T00:14:15-04:00</updated>
<title>Walked off Blues: Dbacks 4, Blue Jays 5</title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Arizona Diamondbacks at Toronto Blue Jays" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Hm55ElBiEjPKYH8JTvOgEMofN54=/0x0:3384x2256/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74138442/usa_today_26479924.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images</figcaption>
</figure>
The usually trusty Shelby Miller continues the blown lead trend in dramatic fashion surrendering back to back home runs in the bottom of the 9th. Even if you were to watch a team take batting practice before the game with a pitching coach throwing meatballs down the middle, it is not automatic that you see players hit back to back home runs. Even with just the pitching coach, home runs are still not easy to hit in big league ballparks. 
However, in the 9th inning of the game today while trying to protect a 4-3 lead, the Dbacks closer did just that and gave up back-to-back home runs and the Toronto Blue Jays walked off the Dbacks. Both pitches far from batting practice fastballs and both on Shelby Miller’s signature splitter, a pitch that has been so good for him this season. 
Outside of the 9th inning, the Dbacks pitched a fairly complete game. Starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt pitched well enough and only gave up 3 balls hit over 100 mph, although he did get a little erratic in the 4th inning as he hit 2 batters in the half inning as well as walking another. Accordingly, Torey’s patience with the young pitcher was noticeably short as he was pulled after facing just 1 batter in the top of the 6th inning. Pfaadts final line was 5 IP 2 ER and 3 K’s.
Outside of Miller, the bullpen actually did a good job of limiting the Blue Jays offense giving up only 1 run in 3 innings of work including fun new guy Kyle Backhus stranding the leadoff runner in the 6th inning and retiring the next 3 straight hitter. Flame throwing Juan Morillo came in and struck out the side in the 8th. Things were really looking up for this group going into the 9th inning. Especially after Miller struck out the leadoff batter. Things were good until they weren’t.
The obvious place to pin this loss is on Shelby Miller, however the offense mustered only 4 runs going just 3-12 with runners in scoring position. This loss was a combination of much of what has plagued this team all season; blown leads late in games and struggling to hit with runners in scoring position. Is it the offense’s fault for not scoring more runs and hitting with runners in scoring position? Or is it the bullpens fault for blowing a 1 run lead? Which are you more concerned about? Ill let the comments decide!
</content>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/2025/6/18/24451294/walked-off-blues-dbacks-4-blue-jays-5"/>
<id>https://www.azsnakepit.com/2025/6/18/24451294/walked-off-blues-dbacks-4-blue-jays-5</id>
<author>
<name>jeffern51</name>
</author>
</entry>
<entry>
<published>2025-06-17T18:30:00-04:00</published>
<updated>2025-06-17T18:30:00-04:00</updated>
<title>Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #72: 6/17 @ Blue Jays</title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="Kansas City Royals v Toronto Blue Jays" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jLpozRmFG0EbQNx3eIp2L1yvYNo=/67x0:3000x1955/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74138069/73848358.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
Time to blame Canada... <div id="NAsOM5">
<div class="pane sports_data_widget lineup clearfix">
<h3>Today's Lineups</h3>
<div class="lineup">
<table width="100%" cellspacing="0" class="zebra">
<thead>
<tr>
<th align="left">DIAMONDBACKS</th>
<th align="left">BLUE JAYS</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="td-last td-name">Corbin Carroll - RF</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Bo Bichette - SS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-last td-name">Ketel Marte - 2B</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Addison Barger - RF</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-last td-name">Geraldo Perdomo - SS</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Vladimir Guerrero - 1B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-last td-name">Josh Naylor - 1B</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Alejandro Kirk - C</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-last td-name">Eugenio Suarez - 3B</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">George Springer - DH</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-last td-name">Lourdes Gurriel - LF</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Andres Gimenez - 2B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-last td-name">Pavin Smith - DH</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Ernie Clement - 3B</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-last td-name">Gabriel Moreno - C</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Will Robertson - LF</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-last td-name">Alek Thomas - CF</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Jonatan Clase - CF</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-last td-name"></td>
<td class="td-first td-name"></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="td-last td-name">Brandon Pfaadt - RHP</td>
<td class="td-first td-name">Chris Bassitt - RHP</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6UDyQuOfznOZFi9iJGL2ToKPUzI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26030377/capture.jpg">
</figure>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="hD4N8H">
Well, I hope you all had an enjoyable and relaxing day off, as the D-backs flew back East (and North), crossing the border to take on the Toronto Blue Jays. I know I did, having a date night with Mrs. S, which involved dinner and then going to see Ballerina. Holy hell, that was fun. Let’s just say, I am now looking into acquiring a flamethrower, for the purposes of home defense. #IYKYK But we are back on the baseball train this afternoon, and looking forward to seeing what the D-backs can do in parts foreign. Was going to write about us facing off against Daulton Varsho, but he hurt himself running the bases (#DesignatedRunnersNow!) and won’t be taking the field against his old team.
It’s still worth looking at the results of that trade, almost three years ago, when he went to Toronto in exchange for Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Gabriel Moreno. Since then, he has been worth 6.1 fWAR/6.6 bWAR, which isn’t bad. However, Moreno has been worth 6.8 fWAR/7.5 bWAR, so that alone means the trade was a win for Arizona. Add in the first year of Gurriel’s time as a D-back - the rest came after he reached free agency, re-signing here - which was 1.9 fWAR/2.9 bWAR, and you get a total for Arizona of 8.7 fWAR/10.4 bWAR, making it definitely a good deal for the D-backs. Health has been a factor, Moreno missing some time, and Varsho having appeared in only 24 of Toronto’s last 86 games, dating back to last year.
But it is likely true to say that the teams were trading from positions of strength. Varsho was relatively low on the Arizona outfield chart which at the time also included Corbin Carroll, Alek Thomas, Jake McCarthy, Dominic Fletcher and Dominic Canzone. He was also another left-handed batter in a line-up more than heavy with them. Meanwhile Moreno was stuck behind Alejandro Kirk, seen as the long-term occupant behind the plate, and already an All-Star. Kirk is indeed now their everyday starter, and is doing pretty well. He has been worth 5.2 bWAR since the trade - so not far short of Moreno - and is batting .316 this year. It’s probably a rare trade that worked out well for both sides.
</content>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/2025/6/17/24451109/diamondbacks-gameday-thread-72-6-16-padres"/>
<id>https://www.azsnakepit.com/2025/6/17/24451109/diamondbacks-gameday-thread-72-6-16-padres</id>
<author>
<name>Jim McLennan</name>
</author>
</entry>
<entry>
<published>2025-06-17T16:12:21-04:00</published>
<updated>2025-06-17T16:12:21-04:00</updated>
<title>Series Preview #24: Diamondbacks @ Blue Jays</title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="Toronto Blue Jays v Texas Rangers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9xkDV5XqCatOpzH03DKYlzGQ3J0=/0x0:3989x2659/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74137825/2217541618.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
In Canada pregame things take just 7 minutes. <h3 id="JRv3nr">Worse than their record suggests?</h3>
The Toronto Blue Jays are currently at 38-33. That record is not good enough for them to lead the AL East or to be runners up, but the third place in their division is still enough for them to currently hold a Wild Card. As a matter of fact, all 3 Wild Cards in the American League are currently in the hands of the AL East. Talking about a dominating division...
Needless to say, the Arizona Diamondbacks will play against a strong opponent and that is good news. Good news, because we know that the Diamondbacks play better against stronger opponents and are susceptible to disappoint against the weaker ones. 
After winning the series against the Padres the Diamondbacks have cut the Padres lead in the NL West over the Snakes, but Arizona can still use every win they can get; they are still 3 games behind the Padres, who also hold the last Wild Card. Brewers, Reds and Cardinals are also all ahead of Arizona, so, yeah, winning is a necessity.
Toronto hovered around 1st and 2nd place in the AL East before dipping below .500 at the end of April. They reached their record low of 4 games below .500 on May 7 but two weeks later they were back at .500, sweeping the Padres and Mariners along their way. Sweeping the Athletics at the end of May in a 4-game series certainly helped their good cause and brought them back into contention, with a nice 11-2 record for 2 weeks, also sweeping the Cardinals, for which we are very grateful. Last weekend though they encountered a big bump in the road when the Phillies swept the Blue Jays in a 3-game series, two of which with a 7 and 8 run differential.
That big run differential in those two lost games is also reflected in their Pythagorean win-loss record of 34-37, because the Blue Jays have allowed more runs (314) than they have scored (302). It reflects the difficulties with their pitching staff. The Blue Jays starters’ FIP is with 4.81 well below Arizona’s 4.27 and they only leave the Rockies and Athletics behind as worst starting pitchers. Their bullpen FIP of 3.60 is a major league top 10 record, their actual ERA is with 3.65 similar and still 11th in the entire major league. Ace Jose Berrios has been solid, though not outstanding, and has gotten very little run support. For Chris Bassitt the same can be said, while Kevin Gausman has been able to pitch league average-ish. Bowden Francis has been working as the 4th starter, but has been worse than Pfaadt, with a 6+ ERA. The Blue Jays have not been able to work with a decent 5th starter. They signed Max Scherzer for that role (or better), but the former Washington ace has continued to struggle with injuries and has appeared in just 3 innings so far. Alek Manoah is still out with TJ surgery. Toronto has a solid though thin bullpen. Yimi García has been out for the season so far, but Toronto has seen good production from Rodríguez, Little and Fluharty. Last year All Star closer for the Phillies Jeff Hoffman tailed off quite a bit in May for the Blue Jays, but lately has been able to close games out again. 17 saves look good, though 2 losses and 3 blown saves and a 5.70 ERA might give your average Canadian a Fernando Rodney experience.
On the position player’s side, we should first mention that we will not see Daulton Varsho in this series. The always likeable center fielder will be missed on the Toronto team, because his .543 OPS is 2nd on the team and with 8 homeruns in 24 games he has by far the best homerun per game average on the entire team. Although their 102 WRC+ is around league average, for a team with playoff aspirations it is rather disappointing. Beside Varsho, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is obviously the team’s biggest threat, although his production is surprisingly behind George Springer’s; the 35 year old’s 10 homeruns and .824 OPS lead the team. Other than them the catching duo of Alejandro Kirk and Tyler Heineman (both great in defence) has been excellent. Bo Bichette is hitting right at league average and has bounced back until now from a very disappointing 2024, while big offseason signing Anthony Santander has been the team’s biggest deception so far: the 2024 All Star for the Orioles has hit just 6 homeruns in 50 games and his .577 OPS is atrocious. Oh, and the Blue Jays are a pretty bad running team too.
The Blue Jays lead 13-12 all time against the Diamondbacks and are 22-13 at home this season.
<h3 id="5R1bNu">Matchups.</h3>
<h4 id="Bj5yKI">Game #1 Tue 06/17 4:07 PM MST, Brandon Pfaadt (ARI) vs Chris Bassitt (TOR).</h4>
<ul>
<li id="embJvm">Brandon Pfaadt. 14 GS, 70.1 IP, 8 W-4 L, 5.50 ERA, 5.12 FIP, 1.42 WHIP, 55/18 K/BB.</li>
<li id="M3XFYv">Chris Bassitt. 14 GS, 80.1 IP, 7 W-3 L, 3.70 ERA, 3.61 FIP, 1.31 WHIP, 78/19 K/BB.</li>
</ul>
The fact that Pfaadt was able to go 5 innings and did not give up more than 2 runs in his latest start against the Mariners was just awesome. 5 runs per 9 innings is what we should expect here, so if Pfaadt is able to go once again 5 innings and give up 2-3 runs, I would call that a quality start. It will be Pfaadt’s first time facing the Blue Jays.
That cannot be said for opponent Chris Bassitt who has pretty much silenced the Diamondbacks the past 5 years, notching 4 wins and a no-decision. Bassitt went 7 innings in both of his final two outings, though had more success against the Phillies two weeks ago then last week against the Cardinals. Bassitt will pitch against the Diamondbacks on a 7-day rest.
<h4 id="ZV3JXL">Game #2 Wed 06/18 4:07 PM MST, Eduardo Rodriguez (ARI) vs TBD (TOR).</h4>
<ul>
<li id="DjZ6H7">Eduardo Rodriguez. 11 GS, 56.0 IP, 2 W-3 L, 6.27 ERA, 4.27 FIP, 1.59 WHIP, 60/19 K/BB.</li>
<li id="i6HveE">TBD.</li>
</ul>
Eduardo Rodriguez’ ERA is still hideous but he was better in his last two appearances, although E-Rod still hasn’t pitched a clean game yet this season.
Eric Lauer was the Blue Jays’ starter the last time in this rotation spot, reserved for Max Scherzer, but not even ESPN has listed a probable starter for this game. Scherzer is supposed to start another rehab game in Triple A on Wednesday, but maybe the Blue Jays surprise and we see our former farm hand take up the ball against the Snakes for a 70-pitch start. If not, it could be Eric Lauer again or a handful of the other spot starters who threw the first Blue Jays’ pitch of a game this season.
<h4 id="tOFRvG">Game #3 Thu 06/19 12:07 AM MST, Ryne Nelson (ARI) vs Kevin Gausman (TOR).</h4>
<ul>
<li id="4rBqgV">Ryne Nelson. 15 G, 5 GS, 50.0 IP, 3 W-2 L, 4.14 ERA, 3.55 FIP, 1.14 WHIP, 41/16 K/BB.</li>
<li id="SgVTdR">Kevin Gausman. 14 GS, 81.2 IP, 5 W-5 L, 4.08 ERA, 3.51 FIP, 1.07 WHIP, 80/21 K/BB.</li>
</ul>
After a stinker against the Reds, Nelson pitched much better against the Padres and his 1-run performance was enough to achieve his 3rd win. Hopefully he can continue that good trend.
As his FIP already suggests, Gausman has been a bit unlucky so far this season. His K/BB is way better than last year, when he achieved a 3.83 ERA over the season. Obviously, our memories of Gausman aren’t terrific as he nullified the Snakes in all of his games in 2021, when he was pitching in his second season with the Giants and had his best season ever. 

</content>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/2025/6/17/24450869/series-preview-24-diamondbacks-blue-jays"/>
<id>https://www.azsnakepit.com/2025/6/17/24450869/series-preview-24-diamondbacks-blue-jays</id>
<author>
<name>DBacksEurope</name>
</author>
</entry>
<entry>
<published>2025-06-17T14:00:00-04:00</published>
<updated>2025-06-17T14:00:00-04:00</updated>
<title>The Comeback Kids</title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="Torey Lovullo." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OhtGy_gBof9Y6Y-tpRSUcse5hqA=/0x0:8640x5760/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74137654/usa_today_26421793.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Torey Lovullo. | Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="acxHSA">Diamondback Big Inning Comebacks</h2>
Let’s look at innings when the Diamondbacks started behind by at least 3 runs, and they scored at least 4 runs to take the lead. (Data pulled through the first 70 Diamondback games of this season.)
<h2 id="4pYrCY">Game Context Matters.</h2>
The Third Game of the 2023 NLDS. The Diamondbacks were tied with the Dodgers so it was not a big inning comeback. However, four Diamondbacks (Perdomo, Marte, Walker, and Moreno) hit a home run in the third inning. If the 4 homers happened in the 7th or 8th inning, and if the Diamondbacks had been behind by 3 runs, then it would have been a big inning comeback (by our definition). 
<h2 id="surCe4">Wins with less than 1% Win Expectancy.</h2>
On 5 June, against the Braves, in the top of the ninth inning, the Diamondbacks were behind 4-10, with one out and no runners on base. Their win expectancy was less than one percent (0.08%). They scored 7 runs. After holding the Braves scoreless in the bottom of the ninth, the Diamondbacks won the game. Per Baseball Reference, that game was the 14th biggest comeback in baseball history. And it was this season’s biggest comeback win. That was a big inning comeback.
On 12 April, against the Brewers, in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Diamondbacks were behind 0-4, with one out and no runners on base. Their win expectancy was less than 1% (0.72%). They scored 5 runs for a walk-off win. Per Baseball Reference, that game was the 3rd biggest comeback this season. That was a big inning comeback.
<h2 id="gi6N9y">This Season.</h2>
This season, in how many games did the Diamondbacks have a chance for a big inning comeback? This was estimated from Baseball Savant data: I counted 24 game dates when the Diamondbacks had at least one PA with the tying run on deck and at least 1 baserunner (meaning they were down at least 3 runs).
This season, the Diamondbacks had how many big inning comebacks? Six! 
They made big inning comebacks in 6 out of 24 games when they had chances. They did it an incredible 25.0% of their games with chances. One reason that percentage is remarkable is the Clemens rule of thumb. Part of that rule is that in the ninth inning, when a team is down by 3 runs, they will win 2.5% of their games. With the caveat that we looked at games with chances for a big inning comeback (instead of ninth inning comebacks), the Diamondbacks (when down by at least 3 runs) had big inning comebacks in an incredible 25.0% of their games with chances. I’m confident that the Diamondbacks earned the moniker of “The Comeback Kids.”
<blockquote>
The Clemens rule of thumb (presented in <a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/baseball-baselining-how-likely-is-a-comeback/">this FG article</a>) quantified the winning chances for the underdog team at the start of the ninth inning:
behind 1 run, 15% chance to win.
behind 2 runs, 5% chance to win.
behind 3 runs, 2.5% chance to win.
</blockquote>
In case you wondered, this season, despite the Diamondbacks’ pitching problems, opponents had only 3 big inning comebacks by our definition. The Comeback Kids had more big innings! 
The big inning comeback games follow:
<ul>
<li id="acwwBA">Games on 12 April and 5 June were previously described in the section: Wins With Less Than 1% Win Expectancy.</li>
<li id="qTOzcI">14 June, against the Padres, in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Diamondbacks were behind 3-7. Their win expectancy was 1.5%. They scored 5 runs for a walk-off win. Per Baseball Reference, that game was the 7th biggest comeback this season. In addition, winning that game extended their win streak to 5 games.</li>
<li id="Y54aQF">30 March, against the Cubs, in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Diamondbacks were behind 2-6. Their win expectancy was 4%. They scored 8 runs for big inning comeback. After holding the Cubs scoreless in the top of the ninth, they won the game.</li>
<li id="WWRa9t">24 May, against the Cardinals, in the top of the eighth inning, the Diamondbacks were behind 1-4. Their win expectancy was 7%. They scored 4 runs for a big inning comeback. In the bottom of the eighth inning the Diamondbacks gave up 2 runs and lost the game. </li>
<li id="pyZ1SD">18 April, the Cubs scored 5 runs in the bottom of the 7th inning to increase their lead to 6 runs. The score was Diamondbacks 1, Cubs 7. In the top of the eighth inning, the Diamondbacks scored 10 runs to take the lead, which was a big inning comeback. Sadly for the Diamondbacks, in the bottom of the eighth, the Cubs scored 6 runs to retake the lead. The Diamondbacks lost this game. </li>
</ul>
<h2 id="KkE6fL">Summary.</h2>
The Diamondbacks’ four home runs in the third inning of game 3 in the 2023 NLDS series was remarkable, but it was not a comeback. 
Big inning comebacks happen when the Diamondbacks start an inning behind by at least 3 runs, and they take the lead by the end of the inning.
This season against the Braves, the Diamondbacks had the 14th biggest comeback in baseball history.
They made big inning comebacks in 6 out of 24 games when they had chances. That is an incredible 25.0%!
</content>
<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/2025/6/17/24449282/the-comeback-kids"/>
<id>https://www.azsnakepit.com/2025/6/17/24449282/the-comeback-kids</id>
<author>
<name>Makakilo</name>
</author>
</entry>
<entry>
<published>2025-06-17T10:00:00-04:00</published>
<updated>2025-06-17T10:00:00-04:00</updated>
<title>SnakeBytes 6/17: Bonjour!</title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: San Francisco Giants at Toronto Blue Jays" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Bkk6OrSHPu-XzkwHYXUlQdA6eLQ=/0x67:4032x2755/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74137225/usa_today_20961984.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images</figcaption>
</figure>
Plenty of news from around the league during a D-Backs travel day to Toronto. Most notably, Luis Guillorme is back in the Bigs and doing exactly what you expect! <h3 id="DuTPNL">Diamondbacks News </h3>
<a href="https://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/ken-kendrick-2/3587272/">Diamondbacks’ Ken Kendrick still deciding whether to be trade deadline buyers or sellers</a> by David Veenstra [Arizona Sports]
<blockquote>
“If you really look at the talent, I believe that you could say even now with the injuries that we have, the talent base is as talented group on paper from their past performances as the team that went to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> (in 2023).
“Some may argue with me. That was a band of brothers who did it. This band of brothers may be also able to do it. So I think we just have to let the next month play out.” {Kendrick quote}
</blockquote>
<a href="https://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/all-star-voting/3587264/">Marte, Carroll among position leaders in NL All-Star voting returns</a> by Kavish Siddhartha [Arizona Sports]
<div id="p0L08p">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
Voting leaders through the first MLB All Star ballot update! <a href="https://t.co/TJH7MOU5MK">pic.twitter.com/TJH7MOU5MK</a>— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1934704025653395806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/diamondbacks/arizona-diamondbacks-analysis/rafael-devers-trade-shakes-nl-west-makes-d-backs-season-tougher">Rafael Devers Trade Shakes NL West, Makes D-Backs Season Tougher</a> by Michael McDermott [SI]
<div id="xDvGvk">
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Torey Lovullo on Devers to Giants: "I know Rafi, I was part of his development process, he's a very good baseball player. It just seems like every good baseball player comes to the NL West these days. It just made that team better,.... It means we gotta be better too"— Diamondbacks On SI (@DbacksOnSI) <a href="https://twitter.com/DbacksOnSI/status/1934394654352605452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2025</a>
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<a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/diamondbacks/arizona-diamondbacks-analysis/previewing-diamondbacks-blue-jays-3-game-series">Previewing the Diamondbacks at Blue Jays 3 Game Series</a> by Jack Sommers [SI]
<blockquote>The Blue Jays are 38-33, in third place in the AL East, 4.5 games back of the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>. If the season ended today they would be in the playoffs however as they’re currently the second seed in the AL Wild Card. Toronto started June by winning eight of 10, but were just swept by the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> in Philadelphia, getting outscored 22-6.</blockquote>
<h3 id="b4yl0W">Around the League</h3>
A quick reminder that I am on the cabinet of the Luis Guillorme Fan Club. Four highlights from his first game after being recalled to the Majors!
<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mlb.com%2Fnews%2Fluis-guillorme-makes-incredible-over-the-shoulder-catch&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.azsnakepit.com%2F2025%2F6%2F17%2F24450617%2Fsnakebytes-6-17-bonjour" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Defensive wizard is back with a highlight you never see from an infielder</a> by Theo DeRosa [MLB] 
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<a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/fangraphs-power-rankings-june-9-15/">FanGraphs Power Rankings: June 9-15</a> by Jake Mailhot [FanGraphs] 
<blockquote>With the Giants aggressively asserting themselves with their acquisition of Devers, the five teams in this tier might be fighting over one Wild Card spot. There’s plenty of season left to play, but Philadelphia and San Francisco certainly seem like they’re a step ahead of this group. Still, the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> went 5-1 last week and have snuck back into the playoff picture after their rough end to May. For their part, the Reds won both of their series last week, while the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> went 4-3 thanks to a big series win over the Cardinals last weekend. As for St. Louis, the Cards snapped a six-game losing streak with a win on Saturday, but have still gone 5-11 over their last 16 games.</blockquote>
<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mlb.com%2Fnews%2Fshohei-ohtani-makes-dodgers-pitching-debut&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.azsnakepit.com%2F2025%2F6%2F17%2F24450617%2Fsnakebytes-6-17-bonjour" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ohtani touches triple digits in long-awaited return to mound</a> by Sonja Chen [MLB] 
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He threw 28 pitches (16 strikes) and hit 100.2 mph with his four-seamer — which was tied with Michael Kopech for the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>’ second-fastest pitch of the season, behind Roki Sasaki reaching 100.5. Fourteen of Ohtani’s pitches registered at or above 98 mph.
Then Ohtani walked off the mound, headed to the dugout and prepared to lead off the bottom of the first. He struck out swinging in his first at-bat against Padres starter Dylan Cease — and later made up for the run he allowed with a game-tying double in the third inning.
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<a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45524244/ex-ohtani-interpreter-ippei-mizuhara-federal-prison-pa">Ex-Ohtani interpreter reports to federal prison</a> by Tisha Thompson [ESPN] 
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Mizuhara, 40, was ordered to surrender to federal authorities by Monday. He is in custody at Federal Correctional Institution Allenwood Low, a low-security facility, after being <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43721275/mizuhara-sentenced-57-months-prison-ohtani-fraud">sentenced to 57 months</a> in prison for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani.
Mizuhara was initially ordered to report to prison in March, but a federal judge <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44393703/ippei-mizuhara-surrender-date-pushed-back-government-says">granted the delay</a>. The reasons for the delay remain under seal.
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<h3 id="KeqMTD">Question of the Day</h3>
If the standings remain relatively unchanged (currently 3 GB of a Wild Card) in late July, what would you, as a fan, like to see from the Diamondbacks front office at the deadline?
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<entry>
<published>2025-06-16T21:00:00-04:00</published>
<updated>2025-06-16T21:00:00-04:00</updated>
<title>Snakepit Roundtable: And you get Tommy John! And you get Tommy John!</title>
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Plus our panelists discuss the ASG and our least favorite animals <h4 id="YolnYo">Another week, another Tommy John (plus a consultation). Who’s to blame? Is there someone to blame?</h4>
DBacksEurope: In general I don’t think you can blame anyone for a pitching injury and even less for blowing your arm out unless it is coaches requesting too much from players. It’s very disappointing though, especially when it happens to your “best” players. With Martinez they might have waited too long, Burnes already dodged one bullet a couple of weeks ago but couldn’t avoid it now, with Puk it’s looking worse and I think Montes de Oca is waiting to hear bad news as well. Maybe the club is waiting too long to make a decision by rehabbing pitchers and delaying the inevitable. It also feels like pitching injuries are a plague all over MLB and the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> certainly are above the mean as it looks now. That gives a bad taste but, again, I don’t blame the club and just see it as bad luck.
Spencer: It’s probably unfair to blame someone as DBE says. But the fact Kaplan was brought in supposedly as a health expert makes him easy fodder right now. We didn’t have these issues under Stromm. They’ve bubbled into existence in 2025. I doubt he’s actually at fault. But he seems to be phenomenal at getting the worst out of his coachees. 
Makakilo: Three things might have contributed to pitcher injuries of the Diamondbacks. 
<ul>
<li id="1ZE1D2">Did the Diamondbacks (unintentionally) acquire pitchers with above average risk? </li>
<li id="v4PNhQ">Did their pitch mixes and velocities increase their risk? <a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/diamondbacks/arizona-diamondbacks-analysis/what-causing-mlb-pitcher-injury-epidemic">Jack Sommers’ article</a> included insightful graphs on increased use of sliders and cutters and increased velocities. </li>
<li id="v0bOoT">Did the team fail to recognize trends that give warning that a pitcher needs to back off? A <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8209837/">study</a> suggested that by monitoring 15-game trends in several pitch characteristics, teams could “intervene nonoperatively before catastrophic UCL injury.” </li>
</ul>
Burnes’ eleven 2025 games. Although my expertise in injury prevention is near zero, looking backwards I failed to see a clear warning trend in those games. He pitched a higher percentage of curves in games 5, 7, 9, 11. On 21 May (game 9) his average velocity dipped for 2-seam FBs and sliders (a warning sign if it had been a trend). Data from Baseball Savant.
Justin: I like Spencer’s answer.
1AZfan1: I feel TJ is just the cost of doing business nowadays. I feel we were pretty light on TJ compared to the league the last couple years, this year is heavy which probably puts us right around average over the last several years.
Ben: I don’t think there’s anyone to blame other than the entire baseball industry encouraging players to throw harder and harder with ever-increasing amounts of movement on their pitches. I understand that as humans we want to blame a specific source for something bad happening, but there isn’t anything like that for this situation. The unfortunate reality is that this type of injury is a seemingly inevitable cost to the kinds of pitches and pitchers that are being selected in the contemporary big leagues. I’m intrigued by the NIH study Makakilo cited and I’m hopeful that improved biometric technology might help us spot warning points earlier, but unless the culture shifts around pitch movement and velocity, I don’t see there being many changes.
<h4 id="53P85U">Dan Bickley <a href="https://arizonasports.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/d-backs-3/3586806/">had an article</a> suggesting that these injuries might reset the team to their 2023 default. Something to this, or is it just copium?</h4>
DBacksEurope: The article mentions the word “improbable”: “What if these untimely injuries have reduced the Diamondbacks to what they were in 2023, an upstart defiant team that made an improbable run to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a>?” On the one hand, the Rangers won without their ace DeGrom so that gives hope, but on the other hand our appearance was pretty much embarrassing (and improbable) in that World Series, so I hope we don’t think that being like 2023 is enough. Maybe DeSclafani becomes our Buchholz and all is well, but one good week of pitching after several weeks of hell shouldn’t brainwash our brain to forget about the problematic bullpen and underperforming star pitchers.
Spencer: Given the source, I’m inclined to say copium. But there is something to be said for getting back to the team Hazen designed without Kendrick’s overbearing influence. I’m a fan; I’ll grasp at whatever straws I can to find a recipe for success. 
Makakilo: One phrase stood out: “..what’s left in Arizona might be stronger than the team that broke camp….” 
Three points follow:
<ul>
<li id="AFUUtE">I appreciate his article’s overall optimism. </li>
<li id="yyvsca">My preseason opinion was that the team could make the playoffs with league average pitching. Although Diamondbacks’ allowed OBP, SLG, and wOBA ranked them between 22nd best and 25th best, improvement to league average is not impossible. </li>
<li id="mOMeJz">On the other hand, saying the team is better without Burnes, Martinez, Walston, Puk, Mena, Montgomery, Montes De Oca… crosses from optimism into absurdity. “What if the injuries restored this team to its natural state, with the vibe and soul they were meant to possess all along?” Yes, intangibles can make a difference, but Torey Lovullo and his coaches excel at vibe and soul. The Diamondbacks lost very talented pitchers. These pitchers were not clubhouse pariahs and these pitchers are more than depth pitchers (despite that I am thinking of one exception). Their loss made the team worse than the team that broke camp. </li>
</ul>
Justin: I don’t really think so. The 2023 team was..different. Or somehow felt different?
1AZfan1: It’s a fun spin for an article, but really, none of us expected a World Series run by that 2023 team. I was at that Game 2 win in Dodger Stadium, and on my way out to the parking lot, I was fully expecting a Game 5 to be right back there and if I wanted to chance going to that game and risk watching my beloved Snakes get eliminated. Fortunately, that didn’t happen, and we enjoyed rooting for a team that was hot at the right moment to take down teams with more talent but were not playing at their full potential. For instance, has there been a 3 game stretch for the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> since then where Mookie and Freddie have combined for only a single infield hit? That 2023 team got hot, especially the bullpen, at the exact right moment. The 2024 team was hot post-ASB, but cooled off and fell short of the playoffs. This 2025 team? Jury is out, of course, but the team still has enough talent to catch fire for a prolonged stretch. In that sense, yes, this team is much like 2023 (and 2024): flawed but dangerous.
Ben: I’m not sure how to feel about this one. On one hand, the offense for this year’s version is worlds better than it was in 2023. It’s easy to forget, but on the season they were just <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2023.shtml">below-average</a> in the National League and got absurdly hot at the right time. This year, they’re one of the best offenses in the league and are probably more consistent than their predecessors. The biggest differences between the two teams right now lays in their pitching and defense. In 2023, they were just about league-average as an overall pitching staff, but they were pulled down by a below-average bullpen. This year, they’ve actually gotten decent contributions from their starting rotation while the bullpen has been decimated by injuries and have thus been one of the worst units in the league. Frustratingly, the defense has been abysmal - as anyone who has watched this team at all. That could be a killer in both their chase for a postseason spot as well as any playoff games if they made it. With all of that combined, I guess it evens out to be about the same, but you could argue that the offense’s improvement could help carry the team.
<h4 id="1rmJPV">Trade deadline is about 1.5 months away. Are we buyers or sellers and what are we buying or selling?</h4>
DBacksEurope: I say the Diamondbacks will become sellers unless we go on a tear like last year. However, I think this team is too weak in the bullpen and don’t see any easy fix there. If the team is still in the race for the postseason, I can see them make a minor bullpen move that won’t really help us, and stay pat. In the light of that Arizona Sports article, I can’t believe Ken Kendrick is willing to open the purse and spend even more with all that dead money on the IL. If we continue to hover around .500: Kelly, Naylor, Suarez look like pieces that will leave. Gallen will take the QO.
Spencer: Neither. I expect we sell Suarez regardless to make room for Lawlar to finish developing. But my personal opinion is that Kelly Gallen and Naylor have more use to us as QO rejecters. If they accept, great, we can try to compete in 2026 again. If they reject, the 2026 Draft Bonus Pool for the team could be approaching 2019 levels of fluidity. We’d have: a normal first rounder, an early Competitive Balance pick, normal second and third round picks with qualifying offer compensation picks sprinkled in. Theoretically we could end up with 6-8 of the top 100 total picks.
Makakilo: It depends. The Diamondbacks are on a winning streak. If they extend that streak, the Diamondbacks could be buyers!

Justin: I think if they go on a run, in particular the last half of June against the WS, Rockies and Marlins we would be right back in it. As it stands right now, they are 2.5 back of the 3rd wildcard (3.5 if we lose to the Padres later today). I can definitely see trying to pick up a reliever or two or a starter.

If you really asked me I would probably just stand pat. Maybe trade off someone like Suarez like Spencer mentioned. 
1AZfan1: I still think they have to be over 5 games out of a wildcard to consider selling. If they are still 2.5 games out of the playoffs in late July (as they are at the time of my response here), I would bet on a cheap bullpen addition (something along the lines of Dylan Floro for a AAA non-prospect last year. I still can’t understand how he had the worst couple months of his career after coming to us at the deadline) and hoping he doesn’t flame out. If they are right there in a wildcard slot or a game out, I’d bet on trying to get a legit high-leverage bullpen arm, but I’m not sure who has one that is willing to sell.
Ben: This current five-game winning streak has put them just 2.5 back of a wild card spot and two games over .500. I tend to agree with AZfan, the team has too much invested in this current iteration to punt unless they’re well out of contention. However, there are plenty of players that would spark interest in contenders if they decided to make that pivot so I’ll be watching the other contending teams very closely.
<h4 id="H9F4gM">Do you vote in the ASG? Why or why not?</h4>
DBacksEurope: Yes I do. I like to think that my vote counts there.
Spencer: Absolutely. I vote every day for the entire Rockies and <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> lineups. The all star game is a joke, so I vote to send the players it deserves. 
Makakilo: Today I voted! Why not vote for my favorites? I voted because it’s one way to add substance to my comments.

Justin: No, I don’t think I usually do. I haven’t watched an allstar game in a long time. Just not my cup of tea, I guess. 
1AZfan1: I do, but certainly not every day. Maybe a couple times a year. I don’t know that it makes much of a difference, but I like to do it.
Ben: Yes, of course I voted. If I have the option to have my voice heard on something that matters to me, why wouldn’t I utilize it?
Justin: Maybe I should delete my answer lol (Yes, I realize I wasnt being called out. I’m kidding)
<h4 id="IkLVSN">What’s your least favorite animal?</h4>
DBacksEurope: An easy answer is tiger mosquitoes. If you want an unpopular answer I’ll say I can’t stand dogs, especially the smaller, always stressed ones. What I also don’t understand is why people would like to have aggressive dogs like a pitbull that can kill you or a Doberman that will bite anything within reach. “He normally never does that”, I am sick of that excuse.
Spencer: Humans. 
Spencer: DBE, I mean no offense, but aggressiveness of dogs has absolutely nothing to do with breed. I’ve been bitten by more golden retrievers than “aggressive” breeds like pit bulls or Dobermans (or German shepherds/rotties/etc when those were the breeds of choice to target). My many college veterinarian friends concur with me. An aggressive dog is likely untrained, has little outlet for its energy and/or got bad vibes off a nearby entity.
Makakilo: Two animals that I very much like are birds and bees. Perhaps their opposites (a way to say least favorite) could be squirrels and ants. Taken to super-hero extremes, my least favorites could be Ch’p (an alien super squirrel) and Ant-Man (although he can communicate with ants, he may be more human than ant).
Justin: I am kind of indifferent to dogs and cats. Chihuahuas are insane. That isn’t my answer though. Least favorite, I think Id go with insects. Like all of them. Spiders too…
1AZfan1: Mosquitos are a great answer here, DBE. 
Ben: I’ll go with ticks. At least for mosquitos I can make the argument that they’re an important part of the food chain for things above them, but ticks don’t have the same benefit - or at least not to the same degree. And they’re an incredibly effective vector for any number of diseases in addition to being off putting. 

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<entry>
<published>2025-06-16T19:00:00-04:00</published>
<updated>2025-06-16T19:00:00-04:00</updated>
<title>Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Diego Padres Series Review</title>
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The Diamondbacks secured a pivotal 2-1 series win over the Padres, showcasing strong individual performances and resilience despite injury setbacks and bullpen challenges. <div id="VjzeZ1"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/neCaR6F8DdM?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div></div>

The <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> left San Diego with a series win and a cautious sense of optimism. After taking two of three from the Padres over Father’s Day weekend, Arizona finds itself inching closer to Wild Card position. The team flashed offensive firepower, showed resilience in key moments, and reminded fans why there’s still hope this season while also exposing some old wounds that won’t heal without action at the trade deadline.
This wasn’t a clean sweep, and it certainly wasn’t perfect baseball. But if this weekend series showed us anything, it’s that the Diamondbacks have fight. Now the question becomes: can they sustain it?
<h3 id="SnsjQp">Game 1: Carroll Sparks the Charge in Opener</h3>
Game one of the series was a showcase for Corbin Carroll’s electric skill set. The all-star outfielder launched his 20th home run of the season, becoming the first player in franchise history to reach that mark in each of his first three seasons. He added two triples for good measure, bringing his season total to eight, and wreaked havoc on the basepaths even in a 1-for-4 outing.
Ryne Nelson, still recovering from a stomach virus that kept him out earlier in the week, delivered a gutsy five-inning start. He allowed just one run, struck out four, and navigated traffic with poise. The bullpen, often a coin toss this year, held firm with four scoreless innings.
Defensively, the D-backs were shaky, nothing new, but they held it together just enough to survive. A couple of misplays in the infield didn’t cost them thanks to timely pitching and a lack of execution from the Padres.
While Carroll’s long ball and chaos-inducing speed carried the headlines, it’s his rising strikeout numbers that remain a point of concern. With 11 K’s over his last seven games, and 78 in 281 at-bats on the year, the league may be adjusting. Whether Carroll can now adjust back could determine just how impactful he remains in the second half.
<h3 id="QHNVBu">Saturday: Chaos, Clutch, and a Walk-Off</h3>
Saturday’s game might have been one of the wildest of the season.
The late innings turned into a rollercoaster. Then came Geraldo Perdomo, who tied the game with a clutch triple after Tatis Jr struggled to handle a ball pin-balling off the right field corner wall. The final blow came on a walk-off grounder from Josh Naylor, a softly hit ball that found the grass and sent the crowd at Chase Field into a frenzy as Perdomo slid into home just barely called safe, even after the review.
Zac Gallen turned in a mostly solid outing, going six-plus innings, but unraveled a bit in the seventh with a pair of walks. The bullpen held on by the skin of its teeth, and while the arms got the job done, it was far from comfortable.
This was a game Arizona could’ve lost. Instead, they pulled it out. That matters.
<h3 id="PKE6ck">Game 3: Sloppy Finish Sours Series Finale</h3>
With a sweep within reach, the Diamondbacks fell flat on Sunday.
From the first pitch, Merrill Kelly lacked command, giving up hard contact and falling behind hitters. Arizona’s offense followed suit, wasting opportunities with runners in scoring position and producing just two runs on the afternoon.
The defense, which had tiptoed around disaster in the first two games, finally crumbled. A pair of errors that weren’t considered errors in the box score, one in the outfield and one on a routine ground ball, led directly to Padres runs. The bullpen, already worn thin, couldn’t hold the line this time. San Diego took advantage and cruised to a 7–2 victory.
It was a reminder of how quickly things can go sideways for this team. The top of the lineup went cold, the bench bats provided no spark, and the late-inning execution was nowhere to be found. In the marathon of the season, this was a stumble, but one that felt all too familiar.
<h3 id="eQtheF">Carroll’s Evolution and Warning Signs</h3>
Corbin Carroll remains the engine that drives this team. His OPS sits at .845 over the past 30 games, and his power is ahead of schedule. But there’s growing concern that he’s morphing into a feast-or-famine hitter. His .305 on-base percentage (in the last 30 games) is well below expectations for a leadoff-type player, and his rising strikeout rate is beginning to weigh down his overall value.
Still, there’s no denying his impact. When he’s on, the Diamondbacks can beat anyone. But if he slumps, the offense often sputters. Carroll may need to scale back the aggressiveness and focus more on gap power and plate discipline if he wants to carry this team deeper into the season.
<h3 id="hUzHVr">Nelson’s Rise, Bullpen’s Burden</h3>
If Carroll is the face of the offense, Ryne Nelson may quietly be becoming the unsung hero of the rotation. After getting shelled in Cincinnati, the right-hander responded with a mature, effective outing in San Diego. He worked out of jams, kept the ball down, and showed real growth in attacking lefties, a weakness earlier this year.
With Corbin Burnes, A.J. Puk, and Justin Martinez all out for the season following Tommy John surgeries, Nelson’s value has skyrocketed. He may not have ace-level stuff, but his durability and competitive edge give the rotation some stability it desperately needs.
Unfortunately, the bullpen hasn’t held up its end of the bargain. Once again, Arizona’s relievers showed flashes of dominance, then faded. Whether it’s walks in high-leverage spots or an inability to put hitters away, the inconsistency remains maddening. And with injuries forcing relievers into extended roles, it’s only getting worse.
<h3 id="c4EFu7">Injuries: Mounting Pressure Ahead of Deadline</h3>
The D-backs’ injury report reads like a horror story:
<ul>
<li id="lmXsFW">Corbin Burnes: Out for the season (Tommy John)</li>
<li id="rwcL6J">A.J. Puk: Out for the season (Tommy John)</li>
<li id="x5GUir">Justin Martinez: Out for the season (Tommy John)</li>
<li id="odlHK2">Tommy Henry: Seeking a second opinion on elbow</li>
<li id="y9KSrP">Christian Montes Doa: Back surgery, season-ending</li>
</ul>
With the rotation thinned and the bullpen overworked, Arizona finds itself in an urgent situation heading into July. General Manager Mike Hazen has historically been measured at the deadline, but this year may require a more aggressive stance. The Diamondbacks are just 3.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. That gap can vanish, or widen, depending on the next two weeks.
<h3 id="ql8zOM">Deadline Watch: Time to Strike</h3>
If Hazen decides to make moves, bullpen help will top the list. Possible targets include Washington’s Kyle Finnegan, Miami’s Tanner Scott, or any number of veteran arms from selling teams.
There’s also the designated hitter spot, which has been a revolving door of mediocrity. A veteran bat, someone with postseason experience, could offer a stabilizing presence. And while starting pitchers like Chris Sale may come with hefty price tags, the rotation’s current state might leave Hazen with no choice.
<h3 id="zJ8JKh">Looking Ahead: Opportunity Knocks</h3>
The road doesn’t get easier, but it does get more winnable. Arizona’s upcoming slate features the Blue Jays, Rockies, White Sox, and Marlins, teams all hovering below .500. This is the stretch where a Wild Card hopeful builds its case.
Win the series. Stay healthy. Reinforce where needed.
If the Diamondbacks can do that, they’ll not only stay in the playoff conversation, they’ll control it.
<h3 id="mun60o">Final Word</h3>
The Diamondbacks showed guts and resolve this weekend in San Diego. They also showed flaws. It’s a familiar balancing act, but one that’s become increasingly urgent as the injuries pile up and the games grow more meaningful.
There’s still time. There’s still talent. But patience alone won’t get Arizona to October.
Now, it’s up to the front office to act, and the players to deliver.
</content>
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<entry>
<published>2025-06-16T16:00:00-04:00</published>
<updated>2025-06-16T16:00:00-04:00</updated>
<title>Minor League Roundup: Blaze of Glory</title>
<content type="html">
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Cincinnati Reds at Arizona Diamondbacks" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H-cIzc6fUK_mDsVcSzNnECWJPIA=/0x0:4176x2784/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/74136068/usa_today_23275747.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alexander knocked four home runs in Reno this past week | Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images</figcaption>
</figure>
Plus, what is the state of the farm system, really? The Week That Was
Reno scored 62 runs as they split a series with Sugar Land. Unfortunately, they also allowed 67 as the trickle-down effect of the pitching situation hinders their run prevention ability. Amarillo lost a series at home to San Antonio. Hillsboro split with Eugene, losing the first three and winning the final three. Visalia won their series in Lake Elsinore. And the three rookie league teams combined to go 6-9 on the week. That works out to a full record of 18-21 down on the farm over the past week.
Postseason Races
Despite winning their series, the Rawhide saw Rancho Cucamonga recover to take five of six at Inland Empire and clinch the first half title. Visalia, along with Reno and Amarillo, are out of the first half race and will turn their attention to the second half.
Hillsboro remains alive, but is two games behind the Vancouver Canadians, who have won ten in a row. They are also one game behind the Everett AquaSox. With just three games to play in the first half, the Hops basically must win all three games and hope for help. They will be in Pasco, WA, to face Tri-City, while Everett goes to Spokane and Vancouver to Eugene.
Organizational Depth
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="MLB: Seattle Mariners at Arizona Diamondbacks" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ISy--1qFy7pRlLZuyV8I6imKrPo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26029172/usa_today_26414117.jpg">
<cite>Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images</cite>
<figcaption>In an all-too-familiar scene this season, Ryan DiPanfilo and Torey Luvullo visit the mound to speak with an injured pitcher, in this case Justin Martinez</figcaption>
</figure>
The depth of the organization has been tested by the injuries. This leads to multiple questions: how long does it take to develop adequate organizational depth, and do the Diamondbacks lag behind rivals in terms of organizational depth?
For answering these questions, the <a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/arizona-diamondbacks-top-51-prospects/">rankings released by Fangraphs </a>provide the best option. This is not that I think these rankings are superior; rather, this is because Fangraphs lists every player that they consider to be a future major league contributor (even as a depth piece) while others list only the high end. And what we are looking at is depth.
Unfortunately, Fangraphs has not completed all of their 2025 reports. Seven have not yet been done. But that should not make much difference in terms of answering the questions here.
Fangraphs ranks 53 players in the Diamondbacks system, which is the second-most, trailing only the Rays. The Dodgers and Orioles are the only other teams with fifty or more listed. Fangraphs also assigns a dollar value to the systems, and this is where the Diamondbacks fall short, with a system valued at $191 million, which is middle of the pack. This comes from the Diamondbacks having just three players who are considered to be future average or above-average major leaguers. By comparison, the Dodgers have eight. What the Diamondbacks do have is a lot of potential future replacement players, at least in the view of Eric Longenhagen.
The Diamondbacks also have a lot of players nearing readiness, per Longenhagen. Twenty-five of the 53 (47%) have an estimated arrival of 2026 or sooner. By contrast, the Dodgers are at 39%, the Giants at 43%, the Padres at 45%, and the Rockies at 53%. So by these measures, the depth in the system is fine, and Hazen has had enough time to assemble that depth. In fact, the difference between the Dodgers and the Diamondbacks comes down mostly to Roki Sasaki, the highest rated prospect in the division. With Sasaki and Dalton Rushing, the Dodgers have two blue-chip prospects, while the Diamondbacks have Jordan Lawlar.
As a matter of fact, accusing the system of a lack of depth (something I have done in comments) really fails to look at the entire picture. While the Dodgers, because of organizational money and location, do have the upper hand in signing players like Sasaki, the systems are much closer overall than one might think. As a matter of fact, the Diamondbacks’ system feels thin right now because of the injuries up and down the system.
Essentially, according to the future value system Fangraphs uses, players with a 40 future value should be bench players or back-end starters. These are the guys most teams would be calling up as injury replacements. Ideally, teams would have some 45 future value guys to call up; these are platoon players, fourth and fifth starters, and lower-end regulars. The Diamondbacks have four players listed with a 45 future value or higher and an estimated arrival date of 2025. These should be the first players called up as injury replacements. And to a large extent they were. Jordan Lawlar, Cristian Mena, and Yilber Diaz have all been called up at some point. But Lawlar didn’t really have a position to play and struggled in a part-time role, Mena himself is injured, and Diaz struggled with control to the extent that he was sent to the complex. He is back in AAA now, but still struggling with control and working out of the bullpen. Add in the injuries to players who have lost their prospect status (Drey Jameson, Brandon Bielak, and most recently Tommy Henry) and you have a ton of depth missing. Adrian Del Castillo, like Lawlar, would be without a position even if he had been healthy.
So that leaves the next tier of players, the 40 future value guys. The Diamondbacks had three with estimated arrival dates of this year. Joe Elbis had paperwork issues and is now on the IL, but Jorge Barrosa and Tim Tawa have both seen major league time, with Tawa being one of the brightest spots of the year.
Then there’s the 35 future value guys. Three more players had estimated arrival either this year or in 2024 (seemingly the spreadsheet was not updated in the case of Juan Morillo.) Morillo has been up and been replacement level, but Blake Walston is also injured and Andrew Saalfrank is just now returning from his poor-judgment related suspension.
By comparison, the Dodgers had nine players with an estimated arrival date of 2025. That’s one fewer than the Diamondbacks had. But they’ve gotten a lot of production from two of the pitchers (Jack Dreyer and Ben Casparius) although neither was a highly regarded prospect. They’ve also had health from their depth pieces. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks are relying on players not on their list for innings down on the farm. Avery Short has never appeared on a top prospect list, and he likely never will, but he was pressed into starting in Reno yesterday. Christian Montes De Oca failed to make even Fangraphs’ list, and he’s pitched in the big leagues, and would be still if he had not joined the list of wounded.
Contrary to what I thought before looking into things more deeply, Hazen has compiled a decent amount of depth. The crop of serviceable minor leaguers in the upper levels is on par with other teams in the division, including the Dodgers. The health of that depth and the performance of that depth has not been. Obviously, Hazen has a lot of say in coaching and conditioning, so this does not let him entirely off the hook, but to accuse him of not putting together sufficient depth is no more true in his case than in other cases. The depth is here, it’s just that the depth has also been injured. I mean, here’s the list of pitchers on the roster of teams in the upper minors currently out due to injury: Kyle Amendt, Zach Barnes, Billy Corcoran, Joe Elbis, Tommy Henry, Drey Jameson, and Will Mabrey. Add in the pitchers on the major league injured lists, and that’s fifteen pitchers in the top three levels that are currently out, many of them for the season. Across all domestic players, an astounding 29 pitchers are currently injured (not counting Jorge Minyety, who is on the developmental list.) While the Dodgers currently have fourteen pitchers on the 40-man roster who are on the IL, they have just one each at their top two minor league levels. Their depth is certainly being tested, but that depth has remained healthier, on the whole, than that of the Diamondbacks. (Also, two of those injured pitchers are on rehab assignments right now, so the Dodgers are about to get reinforcements.)
In conclusion, the personnel does not seem to be the issue, so much as maximizing that personnel. The depth would be fine, if people were healthy. The lack of health might be an organizational issue, but that is a different question.
MLB Draft Combine
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="JD Dix dives for a ball during the MLB Draft Combine in 2024" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nB7NMtrUcz1WN7mQ9fDbcQng7lo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/26029180/usa_today_23624100.jpg">
<cite>Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images</cite>
<figcaption>JD Dix plays shortstop during the high school game at last year’s combine; the Diamondbacks selected Dix with the 35th pick in the draft.</figcaption>
</figure>
In the continual effort to become more like the NFL, Major League Baseball (the organization) started the draft combine back in 2021. The first edition was held in Cary, NC; it moved to Petco Park in 2022 and has been at Chase Field each year since. The 2025 edition will kick off tomorrow, with on-field workouts and MLB Network coverage at 9 AM. It’s well-attended, 322 prospects have said they will attend this year. Some will not due to College World Series-related commitments. Five Arkansas players, three LSU players, three from Oregon State, and one from Louisville will almost certainly not make it; the four Arizona players who were eliminated yesterday might be there. High school players will contest a game of some sort tomorrow evening, with more on-field workouts to follow.
The combine provides an opportunity to get some metrics for players using the same Statcast equipment used in the major leagues and AAA, but how much that data sways teams is unknown. In fact, players who are relatively certain to be first-round selections can really only hurt their draft position. But it does provide an opportunity for front offices to meet with players who would have mostly been in contact with scouts and cross-checkers in the past. The Diamondbacks have drafted players who impressed at the combine, most notably Hayden Durke, who showed out there after not getting to pitch at Rice due to suspension. In fact, Sam Knowlton, Jackson Feltner and Kevin Sim were also listed among the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mlb.com%2Fnews%2Fmlb-draft-combine-statcast-leaders-2023&amp;referrer=sbnation.com&amp;sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.azsnakepit.com%2F2025%2F6%2F16%2F24450298%2Fminor-league-roundup-blaze-of-glory" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">“Statcast standouts”</a> in 2023 and were drafted by the Diamondbacks that year. Knowlton threw six of the ten fastest pitches, Feltner had one of the highest exit velocities, and Sim had 15 hard-hit balls in batting practice, fourth most.
Batters of the Week
Blaze Alexander, Reno (.409/.500/1.000, 4 HR, 26 TTB)
Trey Mancini, Reno (.600/.692/.950, 12 H, 25 TTB)
However you measure it, there wasn’t much difference in production between Alexander and Mancini. Alexander’s week Blazed across the Nevada sky with his four home runs, but Mancini got on base at a higher clip and led the organization in hits for the week. He wasn’t a slouch in the power department either, hitting two dingers of his own. But it was especially encouraging to see Alexander breaking out over the last week, as he’s seen time in center field and is a key part of the organizational depth discussed earlier.
Starting Pitcher of the Week
John West, Hillsboro (6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K)
Daniel Eagen also turned in an excellent start for Hillsboro with near-identical stats, and Naimer Rosario had the rare quality start in the DSL. But West is a largely-unknown name who has been pitching well after a rough start. Last year’s 12th round pick out of Boston College, West is a bit of a unicorn. He’s 6’8”, 265 pounds. He’s reportedly sitting in the mid-90s and has added a two-seamer to go with his four-seamer. He didn’t pitch last year, but the Diamondbacks were clearly working on his pitch mix, and he’s already moved from being a fringy late-round pick to a guy who looks like (assuming health) he has the floor of a back of the rotation starter. This was already his third quality start of the year.
Relief Pitcher of the Week
Andrew Saalfrank, Reno (3 G, 3 IP, 2 Saves, 4 K)
It seemed like Saalfrank was being rushed back to Reno because of all the injuries after making just two appearances in the complex after his suspension came to an end. In his two appearances there, he struck out just one batter and allowed four runs on four hits and three walks. So in three appearances at AAA this week, all he did was not allow a baserunner while striking out four. He picked up saves in his last two appearances. 
Saalfrank made a big mistake. He served his suspension. He’ll be back in the Arizona bullpen sooner rather than later. With the exception of early last season with the cloud of suspension hanging over him, he’s always gotten results. With Kyle Backhus and Jalen Beeks the only other healthy left-handed bullpen arms on the 40-man, we’ll be seeing Saalfrank soon.
Next Up
The second half of the season will start up in the middle of the week for three of the four teams (if my math is correct; the powers that be either wish to obscure the workings of the minor league postseason from people or simply haven’t updated websites.) In addition to Hillsboro’s trip east to Tri-City, Reno will be in El Paso and Amarillo will be in Springdale, Arkansas to face the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Visalia will play host to Fresno.
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