PHOENIX — It was another stinger in the desert Friday, as the Arizona Diamondbacks dropped their first game of a three-game set to the New York Yankees, 9-2, further pushing themselves out of postseason contention.
Sep 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57) catches a ball thrown back from home base during the first inning of a game against the New York Yankees at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
It wasn’t the D-Backs’ night from the very start, with starter Eduardo Rodriguez having an unideal first inning after giving up five runs to the Yankees. Despite finding more control over the next few innings into the sixth, the left-hander gave up a few more solo home runs to put the game out of reach.
Zac Gallen appeared in relief for the first time in his career in the seventh inning, pitching three innings, striking out two and giving up two runs, only one of which was earned.
Sep 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll (7) celebrates with infielder Geraldo Perdomo (2) after hitting a home run in the second inning of a game against the New York Yankees at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
On the other side of the ball, the offense did not find many answers to New York’s Gerrit Cole. Cole pitched through the sixth inning, striking out six and giving up a two-run home run to Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll in the second inning. Those would be the only runs Arizona would score in the loss.
Now, the Snakes are five games back of the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild-card spot after the Padres’ win over the Miami Marlins. With only eight games remaining on their schedule, the D-Backs would need to be perfect and mount a historic comeback if they want to be within three games of the final wild-card spot come the series in San Diego.
So, is it over for the Diamondbacks? Manager Torey Lovullo doesn’t think so.
Sep 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice (22) celebrates with infielder Amed Rosario (14) and outfielder Spencer Jones (78) after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
“I’m going to say there’s time. There’s always time and I can’t worry about that,” Lovullo said postgame, according to Diamondbacks on SI. “Until there’s that little ‘E’ next to our name, I’m going to say we got time. And we can do anything we want. We just got to play our game first and foremost. That’s step one: play our game, do what we do best and then see what happens.”
Statistically, Arizona is still in the playoff race. FanGraphs has the club with a 5.1% chance to make the playoffs after Friday — but that percentage has only gotten smaller after every D-Backs loss and Padres win. It’s not impossible, but the numbers are definitely not on their side.
“Until there’s that little ‘E’ next to our name, I’m gonna say we got time.”
Torey Lovullo on the Diamondbacks’ dwindling postseason hopes. With tonight’s loss, Arizona is five games out of the final Wild Card berth with eight games to go: pic.twitter.com/67CQleBsrk
— Diamondbacks On SI (@DbacksOnSI) September 19, 2026
Lovullo has always believed in his group and what they can do when they play their best baseball. Yet, that best baseball hasn’t been there over the last few series, with the D-Backs now riding a three-game losing streak.
With eight games left, they’ll need to find it quickly. Friday’s loss puts even more pressure on the club, but as Lovullo said, the D-Backs still have time.
Now, they have to prove they can make something of it.
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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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