Arizona Diamondbacks Navigate Early Season Challenges
PHOENIX, AZ — The Arizona Diamondbacks face off against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, currently sitting fourth in the National League West with a 17-16 record. Competing in Major League Baseball’s most competitive division, which boasts three teams with 20 wins, the D-backs have had a tumultuous month, prompting evaluation from ESPN MLB writer David Schoenfield, who graded them a “C” for their first 30 games.
The D-backs have experienced stark contrasts in performance. Star outfielder Corbin Carroll has shone brightly, batting .279 with nine home runs and 23 RBIs, ranking tied for first in the majors with four triples and 12th in OPS (.930). Meanwhile, Pavin Smith has been a standout contributor with an OPS exceeding 1.000. Eugenio Suárez has also made headlines, tying for third in MLB with 10 home runs, including a remarkable four-homer game against the Atlanta Braves on April 26.
However, the team’s pitching rotation has struggled significantly, aside from Brandon Pfaadt. Corbin Burnes has managed just one win in six starts and faces shoulder inflammation, sidelining him for the next game. The pitching staff has also been impacted by injuries, with A.J. Puk, Justin Martinez, and the season-ending injury to Jordan Montgomery due to Tommy John surgery taking a toll.
Despite these setbacks, the D-backs remain only six games out of first place in a tightly contested division. They recently welcomed back second baseman Ketel Marte after a 23-game absence due to a hamstring strain. Following their series against the Phillies, the team will return to Chase Field for crucial matchups against the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers, before hitting the road to face the San Francisco Giants.
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