Although the Diamondbacks didn’t sweep, this is the first time in franchise history that they won the series in New York!
The Arizona Diamondbacks wrapped up a highly anticipated series against the New York Yankees, and the Dbacks Dispatch crew had plenty to say about the showdown. Brett, Gabe, and Brandon, along with producer Josh behind the scenes, broke down each game, analyzing key performances, pitching match-ups, and what this series means for Arizona moving forward.
Key Takeaways from the Series
Pitching Performances Stand Out
The crew took a deep dive into Arizona’s pitching, analyzing how the starting rotation fared against one of the most potent offenses in baseball. Corbin Burnes debut was graded about a C+ or C-, with the 8 strikeouts being the highlight of the outing. They praised Zac Gallen for his efficiency and improving command while noting areas where Merrill Kelly struggled. The bullpen’s inconsistency was a focal point of discussion, with the hosts debating whether certain relievers should be used in high-leverage situations moving forward. Specifically, if AJ Puk should be used as a closer or as an 8th inning setup man for Justin Martinez.
Offensive Highlights and Concerns
The D-backs’ lineup showed flashes of brilliance, but consistency remains a concern. The crew noted how certain hitters like Eugenio Suarez, Geraldo Perdomo, and Corbin Carroll stepped up in big moments, while others struggled to get on base. They also discussed how Arizona’s approach at the plate could be improved, especially when facing elite pitching.
Defensive Play: The Good and the Bad
Defense played a crucial role in the series. The crew broke down some spectacular defensive plays that kept Arizona in games while also pointing out costly errors that led to Yankees’ runs. Alek Thomas’ presence out in center field was definitely felt this series, while Josh Naylor’s error on the toss to first was something they tried to figure out. They debated whether certain defensive alignments should be adjusted to maximize efficiency. The crew expressed their confusion and frustration with Torey’s decision to keep Gabriel Moreno away from starting behind the plate so often. Moreno has started in 4 of the first 7 games.
What This Series Means for the Diamondbacks
Despite losing the series, the hosts agreed that Arizona showed they can compete with top-tier teams. They discussed how this series serves as a measuring stick and what adjustments the team should make moving forward. Will bullpen changes be necessary? Should the lineup be shuffled to generate more offense? The crew shared their thoughts on potential roster moves and strategies that could help the Diamondbacks find more success in upcoming series.