Yordan Alvarez As the Arizona Diamondbacks headed into their three-game weekend series against the AL West-leading Houston Astros, they did so amid a concerning cold streak. This slump was a sharp contrast to their explosive performance during June, July, and August. According to Fangraphs, the Diamondbacks’ playoff chances, which stood at a robust 90.5% on September 1, had dipped to 83.8% by September 10. Although this decline is not unprecedented—earlier in the season, their playoff probability had plummeted from 55.2% on Opening Day to 20.8% by June 1—the timing of this drop is particularly troublesome, with both their hitting and pitching struggling at a critical juncture.
In Game 1 of the series, the Diamondbacks’ pitching woes continued. Brandon Pfaadt, a promising rookie, faced a familiar challenge: Houston’s Yordan Alvarez. Pfaadt, who has struggled with consistency, was once again vulnerable in the fifth inning—a recurring issue for him. Alvarez’s ability to hit powerful, long-distance shots was on full display, underscoring Pfaadt’s difficulties.
Analysis of the game revealed that Pfaadt’s placement on the pitching rubber had shifted from the third base side to varying positions, a change from his successful setup last season. This adjustment, although intended to address his issues, may have contributed to his struggles. Both Gabe and Brandon noted this discrepancy, with Gabe suggesting that the change might be an attempt to correct for “blowup” innings, but it did not seem to resolve the problem.
The conversation also touched on the Diamondbacks’ offense, which has been inconsistent despite their reputation as one of the best in the league. Over the course of a 17-inning stretch, spanning from innings 2-9 against the San Francisco Giants and into Game 1, the Diamondbacks managed only four hits and zero runs. This lack of offensive output is particularly alarming for a team battling for a playoff spot in the final month of the season. Gabe expressed concern over the team’s reliance on home runs rather than generating runs through consistent hitting, a strategy that has failed them in recent games. Brandon, while acknowledging the offense’s potential to rebound, also voiced worries about their performance under the pressure of the season’s closing stretch.
In Game 2, the Diamondbacks’ offense finally broke through, giving Eduardo Rodriguez a 3-1 lead. However, Rodriguez’s performance faltered in the fourth inning, and the team found themselves trailing 3-5. Rodriguez, who was signed during the offseason with high expectations, continued to struggle with length and effectiveness, failing to provide the stability that was hoped for. This has led to speculation about his role in the team’s postseason plans. Brandon and Gabe debated Rodriguez’s potential contributions, with Brandon suggesting that despite Rodriguez’s struggles, his postseason experience might still earn him a spot in the rotation. Gabe, however, highlighted the need for flexibility in the pitching rotation, including the possibility of piggybacking starts with other pitchers.
The bullpen, which has been heavily used due to starters’ short outings, faced further strain. Torey Lovullo’s decision to leave Dylan Floro in for a second inning in the sixth proved costly, as Floro’s performance worsened, and the Diamondbacks fell behind significantly. This decision sparked a debate about the balance between preserving bullpen arms for the playoffs and securing a playoff spot. Gabe criticized Lovullo for not prioritizing immediate results, while Brandon sympathized with Lovullo’s desire to test his relievers’ ability to handle tough situations.
Despite these setbacks, the Diamondbacks managed to avoid a sweep with a 12-6 victory over the Astros on Sunday Night Baseball. Pavin Smith played a pivotal role, nearly achieving a home run cycle and providing a much-needed offensive boost. His performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging series, offering hope that the Diamondbacks can regain their form as the season progresses.
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