It’s no secret that, despite a mostly dominant August and one of the best offenses in the Majors, the Arizona Diamondbacks have struggled to replicate that same success in September, but there is still time. Reigning in the bullpen and keeping the bats swinging against the Texas Rangers is crucial for the Diamondbacks if they want to secure a postseason spot, let alone take a long shot at capturing the National League West.
What the Diamondbacks Must Do to Secure a Postseason Spot
Yes, winning the NL West division has become a loftier goal since losing the series to the Houston Astros, but even in the losses, there is a glimmer of hope for the DBacks. When it comes to claiming their postseason spot, that glimmer comes from the already ferocious offense and the hope that the bullpen can pull it together before the end of the regular season.
A September to Remember?
September has not been the kindest to the Snakes, as a 4-4 record has Arizona slipping further back in the standings. This fall from grace not only challenges the dream of capturing the NL West, but also poses a serious threat to making the postseason at all, with the National League Wild Card race getting tighter. Despite the four-inning misses by both Eduardo Rodriguez and Brandon Pfaadt and the absence of runs during the first game of the series, the bats still show promise as they continue to be the highest-scoring offense in the majors. So, what is keeping the Diamondbacks from replicating Sunday’s success and securing their postseason spot?
Where the Problem Lies
The pitching in general and the bullpen specifically has consistently failed to deliver, whether the Snakes are in the lead or in desperate need of stopping the bleeding. While it has seen various forms throughout the season, Arizona’s bullpen has struggled to gain a sense of stability, with manager Torey Lovullo still reluctant to name right-hander Justin Martinez as the official closer less than three weeks out from the postseason. It’s not that they need to be spectacular, but rather, they simply need to be consistent enough to let the offense swing away and secure wins.
What Needs to Be Done
A league-leading offense can’t make up for free runs given away by the pitching staff, but it can post run counts that are hard to catch up to and can overcome the late-game deficiencies of the struggling relievers. Is it fair to pin success in September and the securing of a postseason spot on the bats of the Dbacks? Maybe not, but it is their greatest asset in a dwindling season.
Keep the Runs Coming
Regularly scoring early on in the game has been a key ingredient to the Diamondbacks’ success in the later half of the season. The DBacks are currently maintaining an MLB-leading 0.72 1st inning run average and show no signs of giving that up. The bats don’t stop there, because the Diamondbacks also have the ability to rack up runs late in the game, which has saved them on more than one occasion. The question with three weeks left in the season is: can they improve on their already stellar offense?
With Ketel Marte’s bat back in the fold, the hope that Christian Walker can return to form, and extraordinary efforts from players like Pavin Smith in recent days, it is more than possible for the Dbacks to step up the already overwhelming offense even further. This will give some much-needed room to breathe for the middle and late-game relief pitchers. Is this an ideal scenario? No, but when it comes down to September, teams will run with what they can when trying to clinch their postseason spot.
Heading home on a high note!
pic.twitter.com/uk5ORX7p2V
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 9, 2024
Not Their First October Rodeo
If the Snakes can keep up the relentless offense in the last week of the season, they still have a chance to claim the division, albeit with the current odds not in their favor, but when has that ever stopped the Snakes? Even if the NL West title isn’t in the cards, the DBacks offense needs to keep the runs coming, and the bullpen needs to step up when it comes to closing out the game if the team wants to claim its postseason spot. If they want to make another run for the World Series, they need to start with a clean sweep of the Texas Rangers.
Photo Credit: © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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