The Diamondbacks faced a tough loss against the Los Angeles Angels on July 11, falling 6-5 and solidifying their position under .500 as they head into the All-Star break. Manager Torey Lovullo had pushed for a crucial series sweep, looking to boost the team’s morale and record, but the loss marked their seventh consecutive defeat in one-run games this season.
A notable highlight for the Diamondbacks came from Randal Grichuk, who hit two home runs, and Ketel Marte, who reached base three times. Despite their efforts, the team struggled with consistency, particularly in the later innings when they failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Their offense could not maintain momentum following a four-run second inning, and they went hitless in their final six at-bats with runners in scoring position.
The Diamondbacks have now lost three one-run games in just four days and stand at 46-49—six games behind a wild-card spot. The team is under pressure as the trade deadline approaches and needs to perform to instill confidence in their front office.
Moreover, the injury bug has bitten the team hard, with key relievers such as Jalen Beeks now on the 15-day injured list due to back inflammation. Alongside Beeks, Justin Martinez, A.J. Puk, and Ryan Thompson are out due to significant injuries, diminishing the bullpen’s effectiveness. There’s a glimmer of hope with the potential return of Kendall Graveman, who has been sidelined but is expected to speed up his comeback in response to Beeks’ injury.
In a bid to recharge his lineup’s energy, Lovullo opted to rest star player Corbin Carroll ahead of the break. Carroll, returning from injury, agreed that a day off would be beneficial.
As the Diamondbacks prepare for their upcoming matches against the Angels, they have a significant opportunity to regain focus and push for a more positive second half of the season. The determination shown by players like Marte and Grichuk suggests that there is still fight left in the team as they look to bounce back from heartbreak and aim for better outcomes in the near future.