The Arizona Diamondbacks explosive offense has fizzled in September, putting their postseason ambitions in jeopardy with just 11 games remaining. Can they reverse the slide and reignite their postseason push? Recent struggles suggest a daunting task ahead, making it crucial for Arizona to refocus and solidify their performance on all fronts to keep their October dreams alive.
Diamondbacks on the Brink: Can They Rebound from September Slide
The month of September didn’t start off great for the Diamondbacks, but they were initially able to ride a potent offense to offset less-than-impressive pitching to keep their postseason dreams alive. However, with so few games left to go, the Snakes must regain their offensive prowess, keep their pitching in check, and step it up on defense if they want to make another successful October run. The next two weeks will reveal everything the DBacks need to know when it comes to their postseason potential.
Dropping the Ball
It’s one thing to drop a series to the Milwakee Brewers, but dropping another to the Colorado Rockies throws a wrench into these final weeks, which are not lacking in stiff competition, including National League rivals that can’t be overlooked, particularly because of potential postseason matchups. The DBacks can’t afford to give up any edge if they want to replicate, if not surpass, last season’s cinderella run to the World Series, and they are running short on time to do so.
Tovar déjà vu ? pic.twitter.com/CwnuDEuUIR
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) September 18, 2024
Who Do the Snakes Need to Fend Off?
With the San Diego Padres and New York Mets successfully clawing to secure wildcard slots, the Diamondbacks are struggling to keep their own postseason potential alive, and with only 11 games left, they are in serious jeopardy of giving their postseason away to the struggling-yet-hopeful Atlanta Braves if they can’t muster the wins they so desperately need to end their September slump.
Pitching Struggles Continue During September Slump
The Diamondbacks’ perennial pitching woes have been well-documented, but it’s their usually potent offense that has surprisingly stalled at the worst possible time. Crucial losses to the lowly Colorado Rockies, who have already amassed 93 defeats, have dealt a significant blow to Arizona’s postseason aspirations in an increasingly tight postseason race.
Even with decent outings from aces Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, the suddenly impotent offense has rendered Arizona helpless inning after inning, even as the bullpen continues to struggle when it comes to keeping games within reach. The late-season injury of Ryne Nelson only adds to the starting rotation’s ongoing woes, forcing the Diamondbacks to again try their luck with Jordan Montgomery. The left-hander had a decent outing in his return to a starting role, only to have the game slip away as the once potent offense struggled to put runs on the board. Even the return of Ketel Marte who has a batting average of .292 and 32 home runs hasn’t been enough to kick the offense into a higher gear. It is something that is becoming desperately needed in the waning weeks of the season.
Now the Defense Has Taken a Step Back
If the pitching woes and offensive September slump weren’t enough, even the defense has started to take a dip as of late, with an error costing the Snakes in the first game of the September Rockies series. This is not the time to drop the ball on a routine double play to lose the game. However, this is where the Diamondbacks are as of late, and that’s not helping to keep their postseason dreams alive.
There is Still Time for Hope
Despite recent struggles, the Diamondbacks can still salvage their postseason bid. To do so, they need to rebound offensively, tighten up their pitching and defense, and string together enough wins over the final 11 games.
Main Photo: © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
