By the numbers: Where the D-backs stand at the halfway point
Jul 15, 2021, 12:30 PM
JULY 10: Nick Ahmed #13 of the Arizona Diamondbacks makes a throw to first base for a double play against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Halfway through the 2021 season, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been a disappointment to say the least.
The Diamondbacks have the worst record in baseball (26-66) and sit last in the NL West standings after a 7-4 walk-off loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.
But Arizona has been better as of late. The team won four games so far in July, which is more wins than it had in the entire month of June.
Here’s a look at the numbers behind the Diamondbacks’ disappointing season through the first half of the year:
1
One of the biggest problems for Arizona this season has been its outings on the mound. The pitching staff has given up the most hits (863) and have an ERA of 5.40, which ranks 29th in the league.
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2
Many of these earned runs have come by way of the long ball. Arizona’s pitchers have given up the second most home runs at 135.
10.9
According to Baseball Reference, the Diamondbacks are the second worst in strikeout-to-walk ratio at 10.9%, ahead of only the St. Louis Cardinals (8.9%).
20
Arizona has 20 quality starts from its starting pitchers, which is 28th most among all teams. For a point of reference, the Dodgers have 51 quality starts. A quality start is defined as a pitcher who throws at least six innings while allowing three runs or fewer.
23
In the batter’s box, the Diamondbacks haven’t been much better. They are 23rd in batting average at .231 and have the second worst slugging percentage at .371.
4
Arizona does, however, have the fourth most doubles at 159. The team is also tied for third in triples (17) with the Chicago White Sox, trailing only the Detroit Tigers (18) and Colorado Rockies (21).
5
The Diamondbacks have suffered 58 fielding errors, which is the fifth most in the majors.
24
From May 4 – June 25, Arizona recorded the longest road losing streak in baseball history at 24 games.
22
The Diamondbacks’ 22-1 loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday was the worst in franchise history.
116
Currently, the Diamondbacks are on pace to lose 116 games this season, which would be the most in franchise history.
93
After Arizona acquired Madison Bumgarner, many expected him to be the team’s ace. But its actually Merrill Kelly who has shined the brightest on the mound for the Diamondbacks. He leads the team in wins (5), quality starts (7), ERA (4.46) and strikeouts (93). Kelly has been the only healthy starter this season. His 19 starts are by far the most on the pitching staff. Bumgarner has the second most starts at 12.
20
Third baseman Eduardo Escobar has been raking at the plate for the Diamondbacks this season. He leads the team in hits (84), home runs (20) and RBIs (60). His productive first-half earned him his first All-Star appearance. Escobar recorded a single in his lone plate appearance in the 2021 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday.
