Sweep. Swept. Sweep.
The Diamondbacks are clearly bipolar. They’re also narcoleptic, prone to sleep attacks in the middle of games. Many of their key pitchers have damaged their arms and need medical assistance.
But after a 5-2 win over the Mariners on Wednesday, there is a silver lining and a new theory emerging:
What if the Diamondbacks have what they’ve needed all along?
Forget the untimely losses of expensive, high-end talent. Forget the gut-wrenching visuals of the team’s ace (Corbin Burnes) and its star closer (Justin Martinez) motioning to the dugout and summoning the trainer, potentially blowing out their arms within an eight-day span. Ignore the dark clouds, the demoralized fans and the pity parties all over the Valley.
What if these untimely injuries have reduced the Diamondbacks to what they were in 2023, an upstart defiant team that made an improbable run to the World Series? What if the injuries restored this team to its natural state, with the vibe and soul they were meant to possess all along? As in, what if the Suns never traded for Kevin Durant?
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Remember, the pitching staff in the 2023 postseason was Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly, Ryne Nelson and Brandon Pfaadt. It wasn’t enough, but it was close. After losing the World Series, general manager Mike Hazen took the blame for leaving his team one starter short, for making the manager suffer the indignity of a relief pitcher starting a World Series game out of desperation.
What if you added Eduardo Rodriguez to that group, a pitcher who looked really good against the Mariners on Wednesday? Do you have enough?
The resurgence of Alek Thomas as a dynamic two-way player instills renewed hope. Because he seemed like a breakout star back then. And because this team still has the same core group that eliminated Milwaukee, Los Angeles and Philadelphia in their audacious race to a championship. They are Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Gabi Moreno, Pavin Smith and Jose Herrera.
What you might lose with Josh Naylor instead of Christian Walker at first base (if you lose anything at all), you gain with Geno Suarez over Evan Longoria at third base. The Diamondbacks will likely add both Andrew Saalfrank and Kevin Ginkel to shore up the bullpen in the very near future, who were also key members in 2023. And for my money, Shelby Miller is better than Paul Sewald.
Translation: After all this adversity, there is still reason to believe.
“Just when you think this team is sunk or out of it, they claw their way back in,” Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall said after Wednesday’s sweep of the Mariners.
“With all of the injuries, I feel like the odds are stacked against us at this point. But the entire roster is being used and contributing. They will continue to play hard. I just hope we can stay in this with all of the National League teams that got off to great starts.”
The clock is ticking, the trade deadline is looming, and the 2025 Diamondbacks don’t have a lot of tarmac left. But the remaining core group of players shared a powerful bond in 2023. They were known for slaying giants and producing magical moments together, from four consecutive home runs against the Dodgers; to Thomas’ dramatic home run against the Phillies; to Kelly’s ascendance as legitimate ace; to those stunning road wins in South Philly to win the pennant. They thrived in their role as underdogs. They came within striking distance of being legendary.
It’s been a different story in 2025. After adding significant payroll in the offseason, the Diamondbacks moved into an elite and pricey neighborhood, ranking in the top five of most preseason power rankings. They didn’t handle it well. When they lost their ace and their two best relief pitchers, we assumed it was curtains. But none of them were on the team in 2023, and what’s left in Arizona might be stronger than the team that broke camp.
Facts: The Diamondbacks have also been a different team from the moment Martinez motioned for the dugout on Monday. It was a moment that felt like rock bottom and the point of no return, affirming the curse that seems to be hovering over professional sports teams in the Valley.
Except they rallied to win that game on a walk-off grand slam and haven’t lost since. They are underdogs once again. Maybe that’s exactly what they needed.
Reach Bickley at [email protected]. Listen to Bickley & Marotta weekdays from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.
Follow @danbickley
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