PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks are entering their final homestand of the season in a familiar position: They’re in a playoff race with little room for error.
Sep 6, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks catcher James McCann (8) and pitcher Kevin Ginkel (37) celebrate after the game against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Ahead of Friday’s series opener against the Texas Rangers at 78-69, the D-Backs are half a game behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild-card spot. Both teams have spent much of the last week trading places, with one team moving into the final playoff spot only to give it back the next day.
The Diamondbacks have done enough to remain in the conversation, especially during their latest road trip. They took a series win against the Houston Astros last weekend and won two of three from the Kansas City Royals this week.
While the series wins have certainly kept them in postseason contention, it hasn’t been the D-Backs’ best stretch offensively.
Aug 31, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks designated hitter Ketel Marte reacts after grounding out in the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Snakes managed only two runs in Wednesday’s loss to the Royals, going 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position as their offensive struggles continue to be a recurring theme. In eight of their last 10 games, they’ve scored two or fewer runs, excluding extra innings.
With the offense struggling to produce, more responsibility has fallen on a bullpen that has emerged as one of the team’s most dependable strengths. The relievers have repeatedly kept games within reach while the offense searches for timely hits, making the late innings a clear advantage when the D-Backs can get there with a slim lead or a tie. In the club’s last three series, the bullpen has combined for a 2.82 ERA, according to StateMuse.
Sep 8, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The pitching staff is also beginning to look more complete, with Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen and Michael Soroka all returning from injuries. Ryne Nelson continues to rehab in Triple-A and may be back before the end of the regular season.
It hasn’t been pretty, but getting experienced arms back into the pitching mix gives Arizona more options for the final stretch of the season.
Now, the Diamondbacks will have the benefit of playing at home for the next nine games. The final homestand begins with three games against Texas, followed by three against the Miami Marlins and three against the New York Yankees. Arizona then finishes the regular season with three games at Colorado and a potential season-defining three-game series at San Diego.
Sep 6, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) celebrates with center fielder Jordan Lawlar (10) after scoring a run during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
FanGraphs has put Arizona’s playoff chances at 45.8%. The Padres are the most immediate threat, but the Diamondbacks also must watch teams behind them, including the Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami, while the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs remain ahead in the wild-card picture.
With the playoff race tightening and the margin for error shrinking, Arizona’s final homestand could determine whether the team enters the final week of the season in control of its postseason hopes — or simply hoping for help elsewhere.
The @Dbacks put up 5 runs in the 10th inning!
(MLB x @FirehouseSubs) pic.twitter.com/flmJ3KkEiY
— MLB (@MLB) September 7, 2026
Arizona and Texas begin their series on Friday, Sept. 11, at 6:40 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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