SAN DIEGO — The Arizona Diamondbacks will not be playing postseason baseball after the Philadelphia Phillies’ win over the Tampa Bay Rays eliminated them before they could finish their game Sunday.
Sep 27, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) reacts after taking a strike during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
The Diamondbacks, much like the last several years, hinged their playoff hopes on the final days of the year. After being four games back of the final National League wild-card spot just a week ago, Arizona came within one game after a sweep of the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field and an uncharacteristic collapse from the Phillies, who were ahead of them.
While the D-Backs gained ground Friday night with an 11-4 win over the Padres, Saturday’s result did little to help as they fell 10-7 and couldn’t tie the Phillies, who lost their fourth game in a row.
Sep 27, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres designated hitter Gavin Sheets (30) is congratulated by right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23), left, and center fielder Jackson Merrill (3) after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
That left Game 162 as a must-win for Arizona, which needed a victory over San Diego and a Philadelphia loss to clinch a postseason berth. Anything else would lead to elimination.
Unfortunately, those odds were too much for Arizona to overcome.
Sep 27, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) reacts after after hitting a two RBI double during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The Phillies started their matchup against the Rays 30 minutes earlier than scheduled and took an early 4-0 lead as the D-Backs prepared for their game. Michael Soroka started for the Snakes against the Padres but surrendered three earned runs through 4.2 innings.
Gabriel Moreno was penciled into the lineup for Arizona but was then taken out moments before first pitch as he continued to nurse a hamstring injury.
Sep 27, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Michael Soroka (34) leaves the game next to catcher James McCann (8) during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Philadelphia would ultimately save itself from a sweep at the hands of Tampa Bay, winning 7-3 and eliminating the Diamondbacks.
The offseason starts early for the Diamondbacks, as they’ve been unable to get back to the postseason for the third straight year since their World Series run in 2023.
Phillies are going back to the postseason for the fifth consecutive season pic.twitter.com/IRpEDusReA
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 27, 2026
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Game 162: What has to happen for the Diamondbacks to make the postseason
