Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen discussed his team’s priorities on MLB Network Radio today. The GM confirmed previous reports that he would like to add at least one left-handed bat, explaining: “Maybe I need to hit more in the lineup, maybe more power, maybe I need to be on the left.” Entering play today, the D-backs ranked among the bottom three teams in the league in batting average, slugging percentage, and slugging percentage against right-handed pitching, while their 85 wRC+ was the worst in MLB. However, the program is not the only area where this group could use some help.
Hazen also touched on Arizona’s pitching needs: “I’m sure we’re going to need a bullpen, everybody needs a bullpen.” The Diamondbacks have managed to avoid overworking their bullpen over their first 64 games. While their starters ranked fifth in the majors with 357 1/3 innings pitched, their relievers ranked second to last with only 209 1/3 innings in the books. The D-backs relievers have compiled a 4.13 ERA and a 3.84 SIERA, both in the middle of the pack. However, it is difficult Brandon Pfaadt again Andrew Hoffman — the duo now at Triple-A Reno — skewed those numbers. Paul Sewald, Juan Morillo, Kevin Ginkel, Ryan Thompson, Jonathan Loáísiga, Taylor Clarkeagain Brandyn Garcia they threw 75% of Arizona’s bullpen innings with a collective 2.51 ERA and 3.41 SIERA. Only Sewald, the oldest and most experienced on the team, has an ERA over 3.00, and he has undeniably thrived in the closer’s role this season. The 36-year-old is 15-to-16 in save opportunities, with a 3.47 ERA and 3.58 SIERA.
Still, Hazen has good reason to want to add to his armbar. All of the Diamondbacks’ best bullpen arms have their own question marks, and neither type strikes true fear into opposing lineups late in games. The ones who haven’t struggled with injuries and inconsistencies are the big league starters. And while Arizona’s relievers haven’t been overworked thus far, depth will still matter as the season progresses. AJ Puk again Justin Martinez it could help in the end, but the D-backs won’t want to rely too heavily on arms that have been out for more than a year. All this to say, the Diamondbacks bullpen is not in a bad place, but it has room for improvement. If Hazen views his team as a serious contender, he would be wise to go after the backfield arm for pitching, as well as innings depth over the next four months.
Indeed, filling innings soon can be very important. Diamondbacks starters are averaging just under 5 2/3 innings per game. It may be unrealistic to expect them to match that pace, especially since Hazen hopes he won’t need to bring in any outside rotation guarantees. As GM puts it: “Do we need a starting pitcher? Right now, I’m hoping Brandon Pfaadt will go down in Triple-A to the point where it won’t be a place where we have to use resources.”
The Diamondbacks can’t catch them Corbin Burns so I can help again. The 2021 NL Cy Young winner will likely be sidelined until September after suffering a teres major. Regarding healthy arms, Michael Soroka is having a great season, but hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2019. He threw 89 2/3 innings in the majors last year, and is on pace to surpass that number in the next few weeks. Eduardo Rodriguez, Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallenagain Ryne Nelson it must be good to give innings, but it is good to worry about the quality of those innings. Rodriguez has a 2.52 ERA but a 4.57 SIERA. Kelly, Gallen, and Nelson combined for a 5.17 ERA and 4.83 SIERA. Given their solid record, the D-backs it can be ride all those arms, but it doesn’t mean you have to. The same goes for Pfaadt, who is starting again in Triple-A. With a rotation like that, the benefits of a deep bullpen are obvious.
