As the 2024 MLB regular season hurtles toward its dramatic conclusion, the Arizona Diamondbacks final series takes center stage, poised to determine the fate of several contenders in the wildly unpredictable National League Wild Card chase. With just three games remaining, the tension is palpable as the postseason picture remains tantalizingly unclear. This pivotal series has all the makings of a thrilling crescendo, capable of catapulting some teams into October baseball while slamming the door shut on others.
Diamondbacks Fate Hangs in the Balance
Salvaging September
Diamondbacks fans would have preferred to see their Snakes clinch a wildcard berth before this weekend, setting them up to knock the San Diego Padres down a peg or two. However, the Diamondbacks have let their once-strong standing in the wildcard race slip away, punctuated by an untimely series loss to the San Francisco Giants. Fortunately, right-hander Zac Gallen was able to help salvage the final game of the series with an impressive outing. In six innings of work, Gallen allowed just two hits and one run while racking up an impressive 11 strikeouts. The bullpen cleaned up effectively, allowing just one run of their own, and the bats came back to life to secure an 8-2 final score.
How Did the Race Get So Close?
Pitching a Persistent Problem
The Diamondbacks maintained their status as the most potent offense in the majors, putting up 143 runs on 22 hits, collectively batting .277 while bringing in 136 runs. Despite these massive numbers, the Diamondbacks have the 13th-best record across the league in September. How does that happen? Allowing 133 runs, second in the majors only to the Miami Marlins, has hampered an otherwise incredible offense.
Other than Gallen and right-hander Merrill Kelly, consistency in the early innings has been an issue for the rotation. Right-hander Brandon Pfaadt has struggled late into the season, posting an 8.31 ERA in September, allowing crucial games to get out of hand fast. Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez has struggled to pitch past the fourth inning. The absence of Ryan Nelson at the core of the month has also kept the rotation from firing on all cylinders, though he is progressing in his rehab assignment in Reno.
What About the Bullpen?
While the starters stumble and relievers faltering, it’s costing Arizona crucial wins Aside from left-hander A.J. Puk and his amazing 0.00 ERA in September, the bullpen has struggled to keep games in check. Even though he had struggled before being placed on the 15-day injured list, the absence of Paul Sewald has only put more pressure on the rest of the relief pitchers, who have not responded well. The entirety of the bullpen needed the day off to readjust and get back to the form they flashed in the last game against the Giants.
Diamondbacks Postseason Clinching Scenarios
The bats have at times gone cold at the worst possible times. “With a healthy lineup, the Diamondbacks can’t afford another anemic offensive performance. If Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte can start the onslaught early on in game one against expected pitcher Yu Darvish, the rest of the bats will follow. In Game One, Kelly will aim to replicate his last outing, where he showed tenacity before he was pulled at the start of the sixth inning due to cramping. If Kelly can put in a quality start and the bullpen can hold the line, the Diamondbacks should be able to take the first game of the series.
Merrill Kelly wins the battle after ?? ???????! ?
Here’s every pitch thrown in that AB. pic.twitter.com/KC7XMBvkSf
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 21, 2024
Is Taking the Series Enough?
Taking the series against the Padres is essential for the Diamondbacks- it’s crucial if they want to see October baseball. Losing leaves too much room for the Atlanta Braves to move in for the final wildcard slot. The Braves hold the tiebreaker over the Diamondbacks. Nothing is guaranteed without a clean sweep, with the magic number for the Snakes sitting at three. Pitching assignments for games two and three are still up in the air, making game one that much more important. If the Diamondbacks can win the series, they put themselves in a good position to reach the wildcard round.
Arizona’s postseason fate hangs in the balance. If they can’t sweep San Diego, attention shifts to Monday’s doubleheader, which may ultimately decide the NL Wild Card picture.
Main Photo: © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
