BREAKING NEWS
Title: How on Earth Are the Arizona Diamondbacks Still in the Chase?
The Arizona Diamondbacks have accomplished the unthinkable in Major League Baseball, pushing themselves deep into the playoff conversation despite going through a seemingly insurmountable early-season collapse. How is this miraculous turn of events possible, and what implications does this have for their fans? Let’s take a deeper dive into their improbable rally.
Surprising Runs
In May, DBacks management faced massive scrutiny as they found themselves in last place, limping along at a wretched 18-35 record. Following a sluggish start, hopes of another playoff appearance faded away for the second straight year, and it was a seemingly foregone conclusion that general manager Mike Hazen was about to wheel and deal at the June 23rd trade deadline.
Flash forward to July 7th, however, where the DBacks caught fire, capturing 8 of their following 12 games. Manager Torey Lovullo made changes to the pitching staff by adding some young blood – a savvy acquisition that clearly resonated.
Underrated Bats
Undoubtedly, bats like Asdrubal Cabrera, Josh VanMeter, and Christian Walker have all stepped up lately. Additionally, a return to prime form from sluggers Carlos Santana and Stephen Vogt has added necessary firepower offensively.
1.30 ERA for starter Merrill Kelly over the previous 16 starts
Dylan Salazar, newly promoted and making his presence felt,
and closer Jose Quijada’s 16-16 strikeouts over 7 7th-innings, prove to be potent components the team can utilize for successful late-innings appearances
Supposedly, the DBacks are still a wild card possibility, but I don't quite see how. The standings:
ESPN says (https://www.mlb.com/news/2024-nl-wild-card-race-scenarios), "The only way [the DBacks] can clinch Sunday is a win and losses by the Braves and Mets."
If the DBacks win, then they have 89 wins, and their season is over. Even if both the Mets and Braves lose today, the doubleheader will end with at least one of them having 89 wins, and the DBacks lose both head-to-head tiebreakers (lost season series to both).
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If the Mets lose both to the Braves and Arizona wins their last game, Arizona would finish ahead of the Mets. And if Atlanta loses today and loses both to the Mets and Arizona wins their last game, Arizona would finish ahead of Atlanta. Remember that there are two slots still available, not just one.
If the D-backs win, they’d get to 89 wins. Then, assuming Mets and Braves both lose today, let’s look at what could happen in the double header tomorrow:
Braves win both: Braves get to 90 wins, Mets stay at 87 wins. Mets left out.
Split: Braves get to 89 wins, Mets get to 88 wins. Mets still left out.
Mets win both: Braves stay at 88 wins, Mets get to 89 wins. Braves left out.