Sept 2, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Martin Prado (14) hits a single during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The Diamondbacks chances of making the playoffs are decreasing with each passing day. They trail the Cincinnati Reds by nine games for the second Wild Card spot in the National League. It would seem almost impossible for them to make up that much ground with only 17 games left to play.
The one glimmer of hope is that 10 of the games remaining on their schedule are against teams that are under .500. While the Reds still have to play six more games against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The main issue for Arizona is that they have yet to go on a lengthy winning streak, as the most consecutive games they have won is five.
There is a small window for them to get back in the postseason picture, as there is no room for error. They will need some help with the Reds losing some games down the stretch, and they will have to play better baseball as well.
The offense for the club has been up-and-down for most of the season, and they are struggling at the worst possible time. They have only scored 27 runs in 11 games this month. This is the issue that has plagued the team for most of this season.
There is no consistency with the team, where they have a stretch of games in that they get quality innings from their starters and offense provides great production.
They can finish the season strong and as they say home is where the heart is. This is where they play their best with them winning 4o games at Chase Field this season.
If Arizona is able to perform a miracle and get that Wild Card spot it will be because of two players on offense for them. Martin Prado is hitting like a man on a mission with him having a .340/.388/.901 triple-slash in the second half.
The other player that can help them make that final push is first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt is their best hitter with a .296 average and leads the NL with 109 RBIs. He is the heartbeat of their offense and as he goes so does this team.
Arizona has the players to make that final run to get into the postseason and I know they won’t disappoint as this season draws to a close.