The Arizona Diamondbacks have significantly improved their position in the National League wild-card race following a notable victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Corbin Carroll was a standout in this game, hitting a home run and stealing a base, making him the first player in Diamondbacks history to achieve 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season. This accomplishment places Carroll among a select group of players, joining Major League legends such as Jimmy Rollins and Willie Mays in this unique 30-30-15 club.
Despite a season marked by adversities, including injuries to key players and a struggling bullpen, the Diamondbacks have shown resilience and determination. Manager Torey Lovullo described the team’s grit and refusal to give in, even when faced with challenging circumstances. The team has shown significant improvement since August, posting one of the best records in the National League during that time.
In addition to Carroll’s achievement, the team’s bullpen has shown signs of improvement, with pitchers like Andrew Saalfrank, Jalen Beeks, Ryan Thompson, and John Curtiss stepping up when needed. This newfound efficiency in the bullpen has been crucial in their recent performance, allowing the Diamondbacks to remain competitive as the season draws to a close.
Moreover, Arizona’s young player Jordan Lawlar, who has struggled defensively, is now focusing on his role as a designated hitter. Despite these defensive challenges, Lawlar has performed well offensively, indicating his potential to make significant contributions to the team.
With just a few games left in the regular season, the Diamondbacks are positioned within striking distance of a playoff berth, demonstrating tenacity and hope for a promising finish. As they continue to play with determination, their focus remains on maintaining momentum and taking it one game at a time to keep their postseason dreams alive.