With a win tonight, the Arizona Diamondbacks will be back to .500 at 45-45.They have been bad on the road, struggling to a 17-25 road record.
I think that Arizona has done a very good job on offense this season, despite trading away quite a few players over the past year.They still have a lot of talent on the roster, but the question has to be asked if they are going to make more trades soon.
Ketel Marte is a guy who has had his name floating around the trade rumors quite a bit.He could be a good addition to most playoff teams.
However, if the Diamondbacks want to go the other way, they can add pitching to try to improve on their team's 4.28 ERA.Ketel Marte #4 of the Arizona Diamondbacks tosses his bat after hitting a home run in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game Three of the Division Series at Chase Field on October 11, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona.(Norm Hall/Getty Images)Even if the Diamondbacks add Tarik Skubal, which isn't likely, they would still be a very long shot to make the postseason via the division.
They have a better chance at getting one of the three Wild Card spots.Today's starter is Brandon Pfaadt, who is not in the same realm as Skubal (but, then again, who is).
For the season, Pfaadt has bounced between the bullpen and the rotation.This is just his fifth start of the season, but he is coming off a start against the Giants.
He went 5.1 innings, allowed three hits, and just one solo homer.He faced the Padres earlier in the season and went three innings, allowing four earned runs.The San Diego Padres are in an identical spot to the Diamondbacks.
With a win here, they will get back to .500 for the season.The Padres have to be one of the most frustrating teams in baseball.
On paper, they should be one of the most elite clubs in baseball.They have a ton of talented hitters and a few reliable arms, but for whatever reason, it seems like every season is a struggle.
Perhaps it is a lack of power from some key guys like Fernan...