The Diamondbacks have been a hot team this season and are battling for not just the top spot in the National League West but the National League as a whole. Arizona is seeing much more success than they have in a long time. Before Tuesday night’s loss at home to the Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona had previously won their last six straight. This included games against the Washington Nationals, Detroit Tigers, and the Phillies. In each of the six victories, they put up five runs or more. Those scores were 10-5, 6-2, 11-6, 5-0, 7-5, and 9-8. In those games altogether, the Diamondbacks put up 48 runs while allowing just 26. If Arizona can continue that trend throughout the rest of the regular season, they could be a team that makes a deep run into the playoffs once the postseason rolls around.
When it comes to statistical standings, Arizona sat fifth going into Wednesday night’s game against the Phillies. They only trail the Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, and Los Angeles Dodgers. It should also be noted that the Rays have played three more games than most of the other teams. The Braves have played one more game than the rest of the teams outside of the Rays in the top five.
One player who has especially stood out recently and is helping to propel the Diamondbacks is 22-year-old, 165 lb, and 5′ 10″ outfielder Corbin Carroll. Carroll’s success has the team and fans now pulling for him to win the Rookie of the Year award. Carroll has 227 at-bats during the regular season going into Thursday night’s game against the Phillies. In those 227 at-bats, Carroll has a .313 average with 51 runs scored and 71 hits, including 14 home runs. His speed on the base paths should also be noted, as he has 19 stolen bases. His on-base percentage sits at .398, with his on-base plus slugging currently at .997. It’s clear that Carroll is a special talent that has blossomed since his major league debut. But it’s been clear since his days in the minor leagues, especially with the Hillsboro Hops, who were a Single-A Short Season team at the time. He also spent time with the Hops after Hillsboro was promoted to High-A. However, his time was cut short due to injury. But since recovering, he’s shown no signs of setbacks or slowing down as he was promoted through the minor league ranks. He eventually made his MLB debut on Aug. 29, 2022, against the Phillies.
The Diamondbacks are a young team but still have veteran talent with players such as Evan Longoria. But it’s clear that General Manager Mike Hazen’s work in the draft and trades he’s completed is paying off. If their prospects keep developing as they are and the big league club continues its success, it should be nothing but exciting times ahead for the Diamondbacks organization with the potential for postseason success.
