PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks are showcasing a performance that seems straight out of a dream scenario for most Major League Baseball teams. With an impressive streak of six consecutive victories, they have triumphed in 20 out of 25 games since the All-Star break and an impressive 30 out of 40 games since late June.
One would think that such dominance would be enough to secure control over the NL West, right?
Not even close.
The NL West is currently home to three red-hot teams, including the Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Dodgers. As the pennant races heat up with around 40 games left in the season, the competition out west appears to be the fiercest, featuring star players like Shohei Ohtani, Manny Machado, and Ketel Marte battling it out on the field night after night.
“We’re very aware of it,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts about his team’s narrowing lead. “I’d be lying if I said no one’s watching the scoreboard and appreciating how well the other teams in our division are performing.
“That just puts the onus on us to play good baseball.”
The Dodgers, who have clinched the division in 10 of the last 11 years, had a comfortable lead by mid-June. With a powerhouse lineup featuring Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, as well as a solid rotation led by Tyler Glasnow, they seemed destined for another division title.
However, Betts’ absence due to a broken left hand for 1 1/2 months disrupted their momentum, opening the door for the D-backs and Padres to make significant moves up the standings.
Both the Padres and D-backs have been on fire since the All-Star break, with San Diego boasting a 19-4 record and Arizona with an impressive 20-5 record during that span. While the Dodgers have still performed well with a 15-9 record, they are facing a tough challenge in maintaining their division lead.
As of Thursday, the Padres (69-53) and D-backs (69-53) were just two games behind the Dodgers (71-51), setting the stage for an electrifying race to the finish line.
Fasten your seatbelts.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of this, a lot of dedication and hard work has gone into our success,” remarked D-backs slugger Joc Pederson. “When everyone on the team is giving their all every day, it creates a powerful synergy that propels us towards victory. It’s truly a remarkable experience.”
While the Dodgers still possess a plethora of talent, Betts’ return from his injury has injected new life into the lineup. The team has further bolstered its roster by acquiring right-hander Jack Flaherty, welcoming back Clayton Kershaw alongside Glasnow and Gavin Stone in the rotation.
“I believe the key for us is having key players back in action,” stated Kershaw. “Our lineup is shaping up nicely, with our pitching staff also coming together. I foresee us making significant strides in the near future.”
The pressure is on for the Dodgers as the Padres and D-backs are hot on their trail.
The Padres, a team that has tantalized its fans with promises of success in past seasons, are finally delivering on their potential this year. With standout performances from Jurickson Profar, All-Star rookie Jackson Merrill, and a formidable lineup featuring veterans like Jake Cronenworth, Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts, they are a force to be reckoned with.
On the other hand, the D-backs, last year’s postseason darlings, started the season slowly but have since surged with a remarkable 30-10 record since late June. With Marte leading the charge and contributions from players like Jake McCarthy and Corbin Carroll, they have transformed into one of the most potent offenses in MLB.
With three top-tier teams vying for the division title, the competition promises to be intense in the coming weeks.
As the regular season enters its final stretch, the stage is set for an exhilarating finish.
“I am incredibly pleased with where our team stands,” expressed D-backs manager Torey Lovullo. “We focus on the present, staying humble, and striving to give our best effort every day. Our emphasis is on winning each game and taking it step by step.
“We have a great squad, and when we perform at our best, we can achieve remarkable results.”
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