Jordan HammD-Backs News and Notes
The Arizona Diamondbacks have hit a rough patch, losing eight of their last 11 games to wrap up the first half of the season. From a struggling offense to having two runners get thrown out on Sunday, things haven’t clicked for the D-Backs. There are, however, some reason for optimism as the club gets a few days off.
Ace Coming Up Big
It’s a huge luxury for a pitching staff to have an ace that can stop a losing streak. The 2017 Diamondbacks have that in Zack Greinke. Twice the D-Backs ace has been in that position in recent weeks and twice he has delivered. On July 1st, he pitched the Diamondbacks to a win against the Rockies after the club had dropped three straight, and he did the exact same thing on Saturday against the Reds. Unfortunately for the Diamondbacks, those account for two of the past three three wins for the club over an 11 game span.
Bats Continue To Be Quiet
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been one of the best offenses all season long. They have only been shut out four times this year. Two of those happened on Saturday against the Reds and then on July 5th against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Diamondbacks lineup has limped into the All-Star break and have struggled mightily over the past few weeks.
Least amount of runs scored in a series for #Dbacks this year:
7 – At SF (4/10-4/12)
7 – At LAD (7/4-7/6)
4 – Reds (7/7-7/9)— Jordan Hamm (@JordyHamm) July 9, 2017
Welcome back, A.J.
A.J. Pollock made his return to the Diamondbacks lineup on July 4th and has worked his way back to feeling like himself again. On Sunday, the Diamondback centerfielder had a diving catch that fans have become accustomed to as well as a solo home run, the lone run for the Diamondbacks that day, and two stolen bases. Pollock said he is happy he got a few games under his belt before taking his All-Star break, and the few days away from the field can help him have a fresh second half.
Lovullo’s Message
It’s been an impressive first half to the season for first-year (full-time) manager Torey Lovullo. With his club sitting at 53-36 and a two-game lead in the wild card standings, the Diamondbacks are positioned nicely for their second-half run despite the recent struggles.
“We’ve lost a number of games over the past couple series, Would we do anything differently? I wouldn’t want these guys to change one thing,” Lovullo said.
“At times, I think these players spoil us because they make the game look easy and they go out and execute. When they don’t, I think it’s alarming. So I would tell them keep doing what you’re doing, build innings and know that things are going to fall in the right place very soon.”
