The Arizona Diamondbacks, the defending National League champions, have been struggling with injuries to their starting pitchers this season, which has highlighted the importance of having a consistent rotation. The Diamondbacks made significant investments in free agent pitchers Eduardo Rodriguez and Jordan Montgomery in the offseason to add depth to their rotation. However, Rodriguez has not pitched this season due to a lat strain, and Kelly has also been placed on the 60-day injured list with a teres major strain in his shoulder. This has left the team with a depleted rotation and a payroll that has soared to a franchise-record $170.9 million.
The absence of key pitchers like Gallen, Rodriguez, and Kelly has put additional pressure on manager Torey Lovullo, who has been forced to rely on younger, less experienced pitchers to fill the void. Gallen, a third-place finisher in the NL Cy Young voting last season, suffered a hamstring injury in a recent start and his return to the rotation is uncertain. Meanwhile, Rodriguez and Montgomery have also faced setbacks in their recovery from injuries, leaving the Diamondbacks in a precarious position as they try to remain competitive in a tough NL West division.
Kelly’s absence has been particularly impactful, as he has been a reliable starter for the Diamondbacks in recent seasons. He was instrumental in the team’s World Series run, posting a 3-1 record with a 2.25 ERA in four postseason starts. Without Kelly, the Diamondbacks are missing a key piece of their rotation that could have helped stabilize the pitching staff during a challenging season. In addition, closer Paul Sewald has also been sidelined with an oblique strain, further depleting the team’s bullpen depth.
The Diamondbacks have had to rely on young pitchers like Brandon Pfaadt, Tommy Henry, and Slade Cecconi to fill the void left by injured starters. Pfaadt, in particular, has shown promise after a strong showing in the 2023 postseason. However, the team is still facing significant challenges as they navigate through a season filled with injuries and setbacks. Lovullo remains optimistic and determined to support his players through these difficult times, emphasizing the importance of patience and resilience in overcoming adversity.
The injuries to key pitchers like Gallen, Rodriguez, and Kelly have forced the Diamondbacks to make adjustments and rely on younger arms to carry the load in the rotation. The team’s depth has been tested, and Lovullo has had to juggle his pitching staff to find the right combination of pitchers to keep the team competitive. Despite the setbacks, the Diamondbacks remain determined to stay in the playoff race and are hopeful that their injured players will recover soon to bolster the team’s chances of success.
As the Diamondbacks continue to navigate through a challenging season marked by injuries, Lovullo remains focused on supporting his players and helping them overcome adversity. The team’s resilience and determination will be put to the test as they look to stay competitive in a tough NL West division. Despite the setbacks, the Diamondbacks are confident in their ability to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented young pitchers, the Diamondbacks are hoping to turn their season around and make a push for the postseason.