Arizona Diamondbacks: Lessons learned from a marginal home stand

In a critical home stand, the Arizona Diamondbacks dropped five of eight games against first place opponents.

While the daily grind tends to wear down with routine and monotony, this is also the portion of the schedule where teams in postseason contention need to ramp up their intensity and focus. The recently-concluded home stand of the Arizona Diamondbacks, in which they faced three straight division-leading teams, showed a disturbing trend.

Admitting his team is “wandering and drifting,” manager Torey Lovullo made this alarming admission that his team is not laser-focused at the moment. With six weeks remaining on the schedule and an increasing number of teams in contention for postseason play, this is the time for Lovullo’s team to make a definite statement and gain separation from others in the hunt.

That did not happen in the most important home stand of the season, and in three sets of games, the Diamondbacks dropped five of eight key contests. Utility player Daniel Descalso admitted to Call to the Pen that, while current times are challenging, the team can draw from previous success.

"“We played very well early and know what we can do,” he said. “This was not the home stand we wanted and we didn’t play all that well. This was not the kind of baseball we’re capable of playing and good teams, in pennant races, find ways to win.”"

In eight games against the Dodgers, Cubs and Astros, Arizona dropped two series and split with Houston. Now, they limp from the desert to engage the Astros again for two at Minute Maid Park and three against the wild-card contending Minnesota Twins at Target Field.

More from Call to the Pen

From the marginal home stand, two elements of their play became apparent.

First, the ability to concentrate and as Lovullo constantly says “to embrace the moment,” must be heighted. In the 8-4 loss to Houston Tuesday, which concluded the home stand, the Diamondbacks struck out 17 times. That is one short of the franchise record, established twice and last accomplished on June 5, 2016 against the Cubs.

Afterwards, Lovullo told Call to the Pen that discipline with two strikes was of great concern. Yet, the more important issue is how his team will rebound from the less than inspiring home stand.

"“We were inconsistent,” he told Call to the Pen. “We haven’t been doing that in a while. We did not put ourselves in a position to win, and we know where we need to go. We’ll hit the road now and play better baseball.”"

If the Diamondbacks remain in contention for a postseason spot, Jake Lamb and Paul Goldschmidt, the number three and four hitters in Lovullo’s line-up, must drive in runs. When that happened earlier in the season, the Diamondbacks won on a consistent basis. Now, this pair is driving in runs sporadically, and victories are not terribly frequent.

After striking out twice and grounding in a double play Tuesday, Lamb told Call to the Pen that the situation is not as dire as some suggest.

"“I thought we played good but great,” he said and referenced the home stand. “It’s baseball, and we need move on. We played some good teams and we’re a very good team. If we play the way we are capable, we should take care of business.”"

An update

All-Star lefty Robbie Ray is scheduled to make his first rehab appearance this Thursday for Advanced-A Visalia. The plan is for Ray to go five innings or 75 pitches.

Out since he was hit in the head by a line drive on July 28 and subject to Major League Baseball’s concussion protocol, Ray has gradually resumed baseball activity.

Before Tuesday’s game with Houston in Chase Field, Lovullo told Call to the Pen that the organization will take “a wait and see” approach.

"“At this point, Robbie is going on Aug. 17,” he said. “From that point, we’ll assess his progress and health. Robbie has been completely transparent with us and that’s something we appreciate. He’ll tell us how he feels and then we’ll take appropriate steps going forward.”"

Next: Estrada claimed off waivers

New Territory

Beginning Wednesday at Minute Maid Park, the Diamondbacks play their next five games in an American League park. That includes two with the Astros and three against the Twins.

Prior to Tuesday’s game, Lovullo told Call to the Pen that he is entertaining several options for the DH.

One thought is giving Paul Goldschmidt what Lovullo calls “a half-a-day off.” The implication is Goldschmidt will be the DH in several games and the left-handed bats of Daniel Descalso and Chris Herrmann also fit with Lovullo’s thinking.

The pitching matchup for the two games in Houston include Taijuan Walker (6-6, 3.76 ERA) on Wednesday night going against right-hander Charlie Morton (9-5, 3.83). In a Thursday afternoon contest, Patrick Corbin (9-11, 4.52) opposes righty Mike Fiers (7-7, 4.36).

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