Diamondbacks’ offensive struggles in August: By the Numbers

The Arizona Diamondbacks finished the first half with a 53-36 record and were one of the most consistent teams in baseball.

Entering the All-Star break, the D-backs had allowed the second-lowest amount of runs (344) in the majors and their plus-102 run differential ranked second in the National League and third overall.

Since the second half began, things have not been as rosy.

The offense’s inability to play small ball and take advantage of opportunities with runners in scoring position has contributed to their downfall.

In their first post-break series against the Atlanta Braves, the team lost all three games. In that sweep, the D-backs’ inability to play small ball and take advantage of opportunities with runners in scoring position was a big problem. That theme has continued and contributed to their downfall in the month of August.

Prior to their game Thursday against the New York Mets, the D-backs were 16-22 in the second half.

In the month of July, the D-backs went 10-14 and those same struggles have continued in August with a record of 9-13 before their last game against the Mets Thursday.

Here’s a look at the drop in performance for Arizona thus far in the month of August, by the numbers.

8

That is the total number of bases the D-backs have swiped as a team in August, tied for the third fewest in the NL with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

In April, manager Torey Lovullo’s ball club stole the most bags (32) in the NL. But their stolen base production has declined in every month since.

Arizona simply has not got runners on base at the same rate.

.305

Their .305 on-base percentage so far in August is their lowest of any month this season.

17

D-backs’ hitters have grounded into 17 double plays this month. More than half of them have come at inopportune times.

In recent games, the leadoff man has gotten on base, but the next batter many times has ended the inning with one swing.

In the leadoff spot, David Peralta has gotten on base at a .370 clip. But, Paul Goldschmidt, J.D. Martinez and Jake Lamb have grounded into nine double plays.

18

Wednesday’s loss to the Mets was a perfect example of leaving runners on base. Peralta reached base four times but only scored once. Lamb (5), Goldschmidt (6) and Martinez (7) were responsible for 18 of 23 runners left on base.

2

The D-backs have managed just two sacrifice flies this month.

Arizona produced seven sac flies in July and six in June.

13

After Wednesday’s game, 13 of the D-backs’ last 15 home runs came with nobody on base.

Entering the Mets series, Arizona had hit eight straight solo home runs. Martinez ended that streak with a three-run shot off Tommy Milone Tuesday, but catcher Chris Iannetta’s solo shot in the sixth inning off Chris Flexen Wednesday was the only big fly of the night.