ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

ESPN: D-backs’ lineup ranks among bottom half of MLB

May 21, 2018, 6:30 AM | Updated: 8:28 am

Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt stands at third base after connecting for a run-scoring trip...

Arizona Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt stands at third base after connecting for a run-scoring triple against the San Diego Padres during the seventh inning of a baseball game Saturday, April 21, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

The Arizona Diamondbacks started their 2018 campaign in a strong way, tying the franchise’s second-best record in a 39-game stretch at 24-15.

Since then, however, the D-backs are just 1-5 in their last six games. They’ve lost 10 of 11 and three straight series.

Arizona has managed to limit the damage on defense, boasting a National League-best 3.31 ERA, which is also the second-best in the majors behind the Houston Astros.

But the D-backs have struggled on offense with just a .219 batting average, the worst in MLB.

Injuries have played a major role in Arizona’s offensive struggles, affecting some of its top sluggers. Those who are healthy can’t seem to find a rhythm at the plate.

ESPN’s Jeff Sullivan recently ranked each lineup in the big leagues based on the overall depth of each team. While the D-backs’ roster is loaded with talent, they still fall in the bottom half of the league at No. 21.

Let me say this for the Diamondbacks’ position players: As a team, they rank second in baseball in defensive runs saved, and first in baseball in ultimate zone rating. This is a roster stocked with ball-catchers. It’s just not stocked with many hitters.

I’m still not very concerned about Paul Goldschmidt’s slump, and I have plenty of trust in A.J. Pollock. I’m just not sold on the rest of the support, and Pollock will be sidelined for at least the next month. By top-end talent, the Diamondbacks are dangerous, but there’s little depth.

Goldschmidt managed to hit his first home run in 30 games Saturday against the Mets but had just five hits prior to that in the month of May and a single RBI.

Pollock leads the D-backs in just about every category this season, boasting a .293 batting average along with 44 hits and 11 home runs. But the outfielder was recently placed on the disabled list with a broken thumb and is expected to miss four to eight weeks.

With Pollock sidelined, the D-backs will continue to lean on utility infielder Daniel Descalso at the plate.

The 31-year-old has hit .258 with 10 doubles, five home runs and 22 RBI this season, setting him up to for career highs in each category.

Meanwhile, Steven Souza Jr. on Friday reinjured a pectoral muscle, an issue that kept him out of the lineup for the first month of the season.

The D-backs may have more help on the way, however, as infielder Jake Lamb was reinstated from the disabled list Friday and has shaken eight at-bats worth of rust off.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Blake Snell...

Associated Press

Blake Snell and San Francisco Giants agree to $62 million, 2-year contract, AP source says

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $62 million, two-year contract.

5 hours ago

Zac Gallen...

Damon Allred

Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen named Opening Day starter

The Arizona Diamondbacks named Zac Gallen the starter for Opening Day on March 28 when the Colorado Rockies come to Chase Field.

7 hours ago

Merrill Kelly...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen building strong outings with Opening Day near

Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly followed Zac Gallen's scoreless outing Sunday with one of his own Monday against the Athletics.

8 hours ago

Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder...

Kevin Zimmerman

D-backs’ Alek Thomas found confidence with just 2 swings in 2023 playoffs

Two Alek Thomas home runs during the 2023 playoff run for the Arizona Diamondbacks helped build his confidence. You can guess one of them.

12 hours ago

Alek Thomas...

Alex Weiner

NL West preview: Where do the Diamondbacks fit in a new-look division?

No division was more prevalent in the news cycle than the NL West. Here's a preview of the Dodgers, D-backs, Giants, Padres and Giants.

16 hours ago

Corbin Martin...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks option RHPs Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi in final week of spring training

The Diamondbacks continued to clear up roster battles by optioning pitchers Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi and Blake Walston Triple-A.

17 hours ago

ESPN: D-backs’ lineup ranks among bottom half of MLB