Four Games Lost, 13.5 Games Back (Plus: Dbacks to keep an eye on!)

It's been a tough run for the Arizona Diamondbacks lately. Javier Bàez just made it tougher.

The Dbacks currently are on a four-game losing streak following the Tigers' 5-1 victory last night.

Prior to the Tigers' win, they were swept by the Padres, being outscored 17-7 according to Cody Fincher of 98.7 FM Arizona Sports. So... what are they doing wrong? Why the sudden four-game losing streak? In this week's Dbacks newsletter, we're going to find out.

The main issue this past week for the Dbacks has been their offense. According to Baseball Reference, in the past week (6/19-6/24) the Dbacks have had a team batting average of .169, striking out forty times with an on-base percentage of .259. Meanwhile, their opponents have batted .235 according to NWP's calculations.

But what has been a huge disadvantage for the Dbacks has been the opposition scoring runs, and the Dbacks not fighting back. Take yesterday's game versus Detroit for example. Merill Kelly allows a grand slam, then, the inning after, the Dbacks get a sacrifice fly to dent the lead 4-1. But after reliever Sean Poppen allows a run, the Dbacks are shut down by Tigers' relievers Andrew Chafin and Gregory Soto earning them a loss.

Over the past week, the team's pitching squad has allowed 23 runs, twenty of which were earned, also allowing forty hits with a ERA (earned run average) this week of 4.06.

But this team hasn't been all bad. They've had flashes of greatness and have been an exciting team to follow. Next, here are four Dbacks players to keep an eye on...

Hitter - Christian Walker (1B):

According to Baseball Reference, this week Walker is batting .389 with 7 hits and three home runs in twenty-two plate appearances. If Walker were to continue the rest of the season at his current pace, he will have 130 RBI and 227 hits this season. He has been a consistent player on this team and hopefully will continue to be.

Defender - Geraldo Perdomo (SS):

It's a tough job replacing long-time Dback Nick Ahmed, who just underwent shoulder surgery, but Perdomo is pulling it off. According to CBS Sports, this season Perdomo has only seven errors with 61 put-outs and 131 assists as the Dbacks' shortstop. Along with these impressive season stats, Perdomo has had no passed balls and helped turn 31 double plays. This young player has a bright future with the Arizona ball club.

Starting Pitcher - Zac Gallen (RHP):

According to Baseball Reference, over the course of Gallen's last two games (6/15 & 6/21), he has had a 2.77 ERA with four earned runs, 16 strikeouts, and three walks allowed. On top of that, he has only given up seven hits. This season, Gallen has only allowed 25 runs in 71 innings pitched. He is a force to be reckoned with, and one of the Dbacks' best pitchers.

Relief Pitcher - Joe Mantiply (LHP):

In the past month, left hander Joe Mantiply has been electric. He has been the best reliever on the Dbacks this season, far and away. Let's take a closer look at his stats. According to Baseball Reference, over the past month, Mantiply has given up no runs, pitched six innings with nine strikeouts. At this rate, he will have 102 strikeouts and no earned runs. He is such an impressive pitcher, and has the potential one of the best relievers in the league.

The Dbacks may be 32-40, but they've got some talented players. Through the rough games, we see the light, see the good, and enjoy America's Pastime. Thanks for reading this week's Dbacks newsletter from NWP.

Next week: possible trade candidates for the Dbacks with the deadline rapidly approaching.

Dbacks Poll: Who is the best Dbacks starting pitcher?

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Works Cited

“2022 Arizona Diamondbacks Batting Game Logs.” Baseball, www.baseball-reference.com/teams/tgl.cgi?team=ARI&t=b&year=2022.

“2022 Arizona Diamondbacks Pitching Game Logs.” Baseball, www.baseball-reference.com/teams/tgl.cgi?team=ARI&t=p&year=2022.

“2022 MLB Complete Stats - Fielding.” CBSSports.com, www.cbssports.com/mlb/stats/player/fielding/nl/regular/SS/all/.

“Christian Walker 2022 Batting Game Logs.” Baseball, www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=walkech02&t=b&year=2022.

“Christian Walker's Solo Smash: 06/19/2022.” MLB.com, www.mlb.com/video/christian-walker-homers-17-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field?q=ContentTags+&pt=Offensive Highlights.

“D-Backs Standings.” MLB.com, www.mlb.com/dbacks/standings.

“Depth Chart.” MLB.com, www.mlb.com/dbacks/roster/depth-chart.

“Geraldo Perdomo 2022 Batting Game Logs.” Baseball, www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=perdoge01&t=b&year=2022.

“Joe Mantiply 2022 Pitching Game Logs.” Baseball, www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=mantijo01&t=p&year=2022.

“Zac Gallen 2022 Pitching Game Logs.” Baseball, www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=galleza01&t=p&year=2022.