Can we expect late-season runs for the Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks?

By Sam Massaro | Aug 22, 2023

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 19: Manager Torey Lovullo relieves Scott McGough #30 as Geraldo Perdomo #2 and Gabriel Moreno #14 of the Arizona Diamondbacks look on during the third inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 19, 2023 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

Arizona Diamondbacks celebration. (Photo by Rebecca Sasnett/Getty Images) /

The Diamondbacks entered the All-Star break sitting at 52-39 and in the hunt for an NL West title. They now sit at 64-61, 13.0 GB of the division lead, after winning seven of their last nine games.

Arizona was led by breakout star Corbin Carroll, slashing an incredible .273/.354/.502 for a very impressive .856 OPS and 132 OPS+. This is never a bad thing … but if you look at recent championship teams, while some have had incredible rookies (Jeremy Peña, etc.) the rookies shouldn’t have to lead the way. Carroll is surrounded by the likes of Christian Walker, Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, Evan Longoria, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. who are all above-average hitters according to OPS+. Sure they can get away with this solid batting lineup, but the pitching is a bigger problem.

The Diamondbacks rotation is led by two solid starters in Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, sporting a 3.17 ERA (Gallen) and a 3.13 ERA (Kelly). After Gallen and Kelly, there isn’t much else. Young pitcher Brandon Pfaadt is getting valuable innings, but struggles with a 6.13 ERA, and other starters Zach Davies and Tommy Henry are both sidelined on the IL. If the Diamondbacks are to seriously compete, the pitching needs more depth and consistency.

All in all, the Diamondbacks have a fun, young, and exciting team that will be in the playoff and possibly championship conversation for years to come. This year, however, they just might not have the horses.

Home/Arizona Diamondbacks