Starters set strong tone during run
Taijuan Walker kept falling behind in counts, struggling to put his fastball where he wanted it. He said later that Wednesday night’s start against the Los Angeles Dodgers was probably one that would have blown up on him in years past; instead, he found ways around his inconsistencies, finishing with just one run allowed in six innings.
Walker’s was the latest in a string of effective outings from the starting rotation, a group that has set the tone during the franchise-record, 13-game win streak the Diamondbacks will carry into their series opener against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field on Friday night.
The Diamondbacks beat the New York Mets 3-2 at Citi Field on Aug 24. That was the start of the streak. It’s probably no coincidence that it was the same day left-hander Robbie Ray returned from the disabled list, logging five innings and giving up just one run.
The rotation has been nearly untouchable since. The group has been a strength for the Diamondbacks most of the season, but it has taken things to another level recently. Over the 13 games, the rotation has posted a 1.56 ERA, with 90 strikeouts and only six home runs allowed in 80 2/3 innings. The starters have been credited with 12 of the 13 wins.
Overall, the Diamondbacks’ rotation ranked third in the majors with a 3.46 ERA – just a shade behind the Dodgers (3.38) and Washington Nationals (3.41) prior to Thursday's games – and was second in combined wins above replacement (WAR) behind only the Cleveland Indians.
“It starts with our starting pitching,” Diamondbacks infielder Daniel Descalso said. “Obviously, our starting pitching has been amazing during this run and they’ve really been good all year. Anytime you get a good starting pitching outing, you’re going to have a chance to win the ballgame.”
Each of the team’s primary five starters is enjoying a markedly better season than last year – and, in the case of three of them, a better season than ever before. Right-hander Zack Greinke seems to be making fewer mistakes with his fastball than last year and has an array of effective and consistent secondary pitches, all of which has allowed him to return to the ace form he’d exhibited prior to last season.
Ray and right-hander Zack Godley are throwing more effective curveballs than they ever have. Lefthander Patrick Corbin has been up and down, but his recent five-start stretch has been reminiscent of the high mark of his career, during the first half in 2013, a time before he was sidetracked by elbow surgery.
And Walker believes improvements with his slider and curveball have allowed his fastball to be even more effective. He also says experience has been a big factor in his success; he thinks it helped him get through Wednesday night without his best stuff.
“I just think it comes from maturity,” Walker said. “I could have let some things get to me easily, especially a team like that. This year, I’ve been able to slow things down, lock in for one pitch at a time.”