PHOENIX – Breaking down the Arizona Diamondbacks through the first couple months of the 2025 season, the issues that are holding this team back are glaring yet fixable.
May 27, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Kevin Ginkel against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Arizona’s’ front office is showing they aren’t messing around as on Wednesday they optioned top prospect Jordan Lawlar after a miserable stretch that saw him go 0-for-19 at the plate, and familiar bullpen hand Kevin Ginkel after an 0-3 record and a 12.60 ERA, to Triple-A Reno.
According to @nickpiecoro the #Dbacks have optioned Kevin Ginkel who has pitched to a 12.60 ERA this season. They are calling up reliever Jeff Brigham in his place.
— Aaron Hughes (@AaronrHughes) May 29, 2025
Recently Torey Lovullo has been criticized for various managerial decisions, and some feel it might be time for the ball club to part ways. General manager Mike Hazen has been a firm believer in Lovullo since their time in Boston together. Their strong working relationship isn’t something that Hazen is willing to give up on just because they are two games shy of .500 heading into June. Some feel that a stern leader might be the path to success for this ball club, rather than a manager who has a great relationship with its players.
May 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With Eduardo Rodriguez on his way back to this Diamondbacks starting lineup, where does that leave Ryne Nelson? The expectation is that E-Rod will regain his starting role, though it will be hard to overlook what Nelson has done for this ball club as he has a 1.69 ERA in his three starts for the D-Backs. E-Rod has had an abysmal start to the 2025 season as he has a 1-3 record with a 7.05 ERA.
Ryne Nelson made his 3rd start of the season. He has thrown consecutive starts of 5.0+ IP & allowing 1 run or fewer
Eduardo Rodriguez has done that 1 time in 19 starts during his Dbacks tenure
Enough yo-yo’ing Nelly, keep him in the rotation and take ERod out
— Dalton Feely (@dfeely14) May 27, 2025
Besides covering those three issues, along with the general bullpen problems and the leaving runners on base dilemma, Arizona will look to focus on playing their brand of baseball. Maybe returning to a little bit of chaos might help. The Snakes now get ready for the Washington Nationals in a three-game series at Chase Field this weekend.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson (19) throws against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Chase Field on May 26, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Arizona Diamondbacks seek to find rhythm on Friday vs Nationals
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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
