While their Triple-A affiliate, the Reno Aces, have clinched a postseason berth, the Arizona Diamondbacks find themselves in a much more precarious position as they enter a critical four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. September has not been kind to the Diamondbacks, who now hold a slim 1.5-game lead over the Atlanta Braves for the final Wild Card spot.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Diamondbacks’ struggles have been largely due to their pitching woes. Over the past 15 days, Arizona’s pitching staff has posted the worst ERA in the majors at 5.73. For the season, only the Marlins, White Sox, and Rockies have worse overall ERAs.
Since August 27, the Diamondbacks have stumbled to a 9-12 record, significantly narrowing their lead in the Wild Card race. Although Arizona has benefited from the Braves’ own inconsistent stretch—Atlanta has gone 10-10 in their last 20 games—the Diamondbacks may not be able to rely on the Braves faltering further. Atlanta has a favorable upcoming three-game series against the Miami Marlins, a team they have dominated this season with a 7-3 record.
Jorge Castillo at ESPN recently highlighted Arizona’s bullpen as a major concern for the team’s postseason hopes, stating, “Arizona’s bullpen has been one of the worst in baseball this season, and it isn’t getting better.”
Castillo’s critique zeroed in on reliever Kevin Ginkel, who has blown two consecutive saves while surrendering five earned runs in just 1.2 innings. Castillo noted, “Arizona’s 4.93 bullpen ERA since Aug. 1 is better than those of four teams: the Athletics, Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates and Red Sox. From that group, only the Orioles are headed to the postseason. The bullpen’s win probability added in that span is 23rd in the majors. The unit has been the weakest link on a team vying for a second straight World Series appearance. The latest setback came Monday in a walk-off loss to the Colorado Rockies, when Kevin Ginkel squandered a one-run lead. Ginkel, who was instrumental in Arizona’s unlikely run last season, has surrendered eight earned runs in 4â…” innings this month.”
Compounding the problem is the Diamondbacks’ lack of a dependable closer. After removing Paul Sewald from the ninth-inning role, Arizona has been unable to solidify their closer position. Ryan Thompson surrendered a walk-off to the Rockies earlier this week, and Justin Martinez has allowed at least one run in eight of his last 13 appearances.
The lone bright spot in Arizona’s bullpen has been trade-deadline acquisition A.J. Puk, who has been flawless since August 2. The towering lefty has posted a 0.41 ERA with 24 strikeouts and four walks in 24 appearances. However, not all bullpen moves have paid off—fellow trade acquisition Dylan Floro was designated for assignment after giving up 17 runs in 16.1 innings (9.37 ERA).
Does Arizona’s bullpen have what it takes to secure a postseason berth
