Red-Hot Arizona Diamondbacks Shock Rivals with Epic Late-Inning Comeback — Find Out How It Transforms the Playoff Race

The Arizona Diamondbacks have surged back into the National League West conversation after a statement-making home stand that featured a 5-0 shutout on Memorial Day and a nail-biter loss the following night, splitting the first two games of their three-game set against the Pittsburgh Pirates. With Chase Field buzzing and search interest in “Diamondbacks” climbing, fans and analysts alike are asking whether this young, resilient roster is finally ready to build on last year’s postseason breakthrough. Red-hot rotation sets the tone Corbin Burnes’ seven scoreless innings on Monday lowered the staff’s ERA to 2.93 over the last 10 games—second-best in MLB during that span. Ryne Nelson followed with six strikeouts on Tuesday, continuing a trend of Diamondbacks starters going at least five innings in 12 straight contests. The consistent length has allowed manager Torey Lovullo to lean less on a taxed bullpen and keep high-leverage arms like Paul Sewald and Kevin Ginkel fresh for late-game situations. Carroll and Naylor headline an offense finding its groove Sophomore sensation Corbin Carroll reached base four times in the opener and swiped his 18th bag, while newly acquired first baseman Josh Naylor launched his team-leading 13th homer to dead center. The duo has propelled Arizona to a .341 team OBP since mid-May, up from .315 in April. Even more encouraging: veteran Eugenio Suárez finally cracked a two-week slump with a three-hit night Tuesday, suggesting the lineup’s depth is beginning to click just as the calendar turns toward June. Key injuries and roster moves • Ketel Marte (hamstring) is expected back by Friday’s series opener versus the Giants, giving the infield a defensive boost and another switch-hitting bat. • Rookie Jordan Lawlar has been optioned to Triple-A Reno for everyday reps, clearing a roster spot for versatile utility man Blaze Alexander. • Drey Jameson (Tommy John) remains ahead of schedule and could join the bullpen by late July, a potential X-factor for a unit that ranks 23rd in WHIP. What the standings say Tuesday’s loss dropped Arizona to 28-25, 2.5 games behind the first-place Dodgers and a half-game back of the second NL Wild Card. With 10 of the next 13 games coming against division rivals San Francisco and Colorado, the upcoming stretch could swing the early playoff picture. Fangraphs currently pegs the Diamondbacks’ postseason odds at 57 percent—up 11 points from a week ago—reflecting the club’s recent momentum. Why this series matters beyond May Knocking off an over-.500 Pirates squad would mark Arizona’s fourth consecutive series win, a benchmark Lovullo has emphasized for building championship habits. More importantly, the recent surge is driving record ticket searches and merchandise sales, signaling that Valley baseball fever is back just three seasons removed from a 110-loss campaign. Looking ahead The series finale Wednesday features left-hander Andrew Heaney against Pirates ace Paul Skenes in a marquee pitching matchup. First pitch is 12:40 p.m. local time, and with summer temperatures rising in Phoenix, the roof will be closed—but the Diamondbacks’ outlook is anything but. If Arizona can secure the set and head to San Francisco with momentum, watch for the Snakes to strike deeper into the NL West race and keep the national spotlight firmly fixed on the desert.