PHOENIX – The closing pitcher role for the Arizona Diamondbacks has become one of the biggest talking points so far during this 2025 season.
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May 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Shelby Miller (18) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the ninth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
In Tuesday night’s matchup, the Arizona Diamondbacks gave up a 3-1 lead in the tenth inning. Shelby Miller was brought in to close the game, and although he has been decent on the season, he walked two and gave up two earned runs to lose the game for Arizona.
May 17, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryan Thompson (81) pitches against the Colorado Rockies in the seventh inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images
Bullpen issues have been more than a problem for this ball club. On Monday night, Shelby Miller had to make an appearance after Ryan Thompson lost all of his command and gave up two earned runs on three hits with a walk, and couldn’t finish the ninth inning.
Apr 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Justin Martinez (63) reacts after defeating the Atlanta Braves at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Head Coach Torey Lovullo spoke to the media yesterday and mentioned that Justin Martinez was on his way to Triple-A Reno to throw one inning around 25 pitches, and will react to his outing shortly after. A.J. Puk has recently begun his throwing program and has been saying how he is feeling better as the days go by. Even if A.J. Puk comes back fully healthy and Justin Martinez lights it up in Reno, are they the answer going forward for this ball club as the closing pitcher?
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher AJ Puk (33) delivers a pitch at Chase Field on Aug. 31, 2024, in Phoenix. © Owen Ziliak/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
The answer for this Diamondbacks ball club at closer for the rest of the season might not be on the roster currently in Arizona. General Manager Mike Hazen has to be exploring a couple of options, and making some calls around the league to make sure they can find a bonafide star closer so mishaps like Tuesday night don’t continue to occur. That could be the missing piece this Arizona team needs to contend with these star-studded franchises and make a deep playoff run.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
