Diamondbacks Shine Through 44 Games; Playoff Aspirations

PHOENIX - While the season is far from over, the Arizona Diamondbacks have surpassed the first quarter of the 2023 campaign, and it's time to take a closer look at their performance through the first 44 games.

The D-backs have had an impressive start to the 2023 season, currently holding a record of 25 wins and 19 losses, placing them in 2nd place in the NL West division.

Under the leadership of Manager Torey Lovullo, the team has shown determination and resilience on the field, positioning themselves as strong contenders for a postseason berth.

When examining the Snakes’ overall statistics, runs scored, RHP Zac Gallen , and INF Geraldo Perdomo have been particularly noteworthy.

The Scoring Factor

The Diamondbacks have scored an impressive 227 times this season, consistently finding ways to put runs on the board and give their pitchers a competitive edge.

Compared to 177 runs scored through the first 44 games of the 2022 season, increasing the Snakes' runs scored by over 28% from 2022 to 2023.

Looking at their performance in 2023 at home versus on the road, the Diamondbacks have had success in both settings.

At home, Arizona is 14-10, producing 123 runs while allowing only 104 to cross the plate. Los Serpientes holds their own on the road, boasting a modest 11-9 record.

While on the road, their run production slightly dips to 104 runs, however, the D-backs have remained competitive by allowing only 107 runs to opposing clubs.

Player Spotlights

A couple of pivotal Diamondbacks players have emerged during this 2023 campaign, contributing to Los Serpientes' overall success.

The Gallen Factor

Gallen (6-1, 2.35 ERA) has emerged as a dominant force on the bump, solidifying his position as one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.

Based on Gallen's current wins above replacement (WAR),” His remarkable 2.6 is making a strong case for being the best pitcher in the Majors, according to fangraphs.com

WAR is a comprehensive statistic used in baseball to evaluate a player's overall contribution to their team compared to a hypothetical replacement-level player.

In 57.1 innings tossed this season, Gallen has collected 70 strikeouts, walked only eight batters, while giving up a mere 41 hits on 842 total pitches.

The Perdomo Factor

Perdomo, in 91 plate appearances this season, has garnered 30 hits in his first 44 games. He boasts an impressive batting average of .330 with 20 RBI, demonstrating his ability to put the ball in play.

Overall, "Gerry's" offensive production has been above average, calculating an OPS (On-Base + Slugging %) of an impressive .952. Notably, Perdomo has three home runs, also scoring 19 times.

Against left-handed pitchers, Perdomo demonstrates his proficiency in recognizing pitches, making contact, and finding gaps in the defense, carrying a.353 average.

While his batting average against right-handed pitchers is slightly lower at .324, Perdomo's success is still noteworthy, as the majority of his plate appearances are against righties (74 of 91).

The Lovullo Factor

Under the guidance of Lovullo, the Diamondbacks have displayed a cohesive and focused approach to the game of baseball. Lovullo's managerial style has been instrumental in maximizing the potential of the team and ensuring they remain competitive.

Editor’s Note

As the season progresses, it's crucial for the D-backs to build upon their early successes and address areas of concern that require improvement.

The team's balanced offensive, team speed, and above average pitching, indicate that they have the potential to compete against the best teams in the Majors.

However, consistency and team chemistry will be key as they strive for the MLB playoffs.