ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (53-44, 2ND PLACE, NL WEST)
BIG PICTURE
Baseball in the desert is extra hard for pitchers and fielders, but less so for the Diamondbacks since a brain trust imported from Boston took over two seasons ago. A year after it led the league in ERA adjusted for ballpark, Arizona is back near the top of that category while again contending for a playoff spot. The D’backs are aces at run prevention despite losing one starting pitcher, Taijuan
Walker, for the season and getting a whole lot less from No. 2 starter Robbie
Ray than a season ago. The team’s pitchers praise the plans of strategist Dan Haren and an efficient defense.
BEST PERFORMANCE
All-Star Patrick Corbin logged a 3.24 ERA in 20 starts. The left-hander was even better than his ERA, posting excellent numbers that filter out defense.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
For the season’s first third, Paul Goldschmidt batted .210 with 72 strikeouts in 200 at-bats. And yet Arizona was two games over .500.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
Ray missed 10 starts because of a strained side muscle and has a 5.03 ERA.
TRADE-DEADLINE FORECAST
General manager Mike Hazen figures to add a reliever. He’s been showing enough interest in Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado to bid up the price the rival Los Angeles Dodgers or someone else might pay.
KEY SERIES
vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Sept. 24-26
Tom Krasovic