Snake Bytes 7/15: Bradley Proves Human

Arizona 3, Atlanta 4

Taijuan Walker put his last outing behind him and pitched six innings of two-run baseball. The right-hander struck out four and didn’t walk anyone, but R.A. Dickey had his good stuff working for Atlanta. It took a seventh inning home run from Paul Goldschmidt to tie things up at two. With a one-run lead in the eighth, the Diamondbacks turned to star reliever Archie Bradley to nail things down. But an infield hit by Ender Inciarte and a mental miscue by Gregor Blanco helped the Braves get to Bradley, continuing the Diamondbacks’ struggles into the second half.

Related: Bradley’s Stumble not Worrisome

Related: Diamondbacks Come up Short

Second Half Starts on Wrong Foot

In their first game back from the All-Star break, the Diamondbacks showed some of the same shortcomings which plagued them during the last 12 games of the first half.

Diamondbacks Looking to Build on Successful First Half

Stumbling or not, the Diamondbacks still possess the fourth-best record in all of baseball. With 13 of their 16 remaining July games against teams with losing records, Arizona has a chance to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the National League.

Schoenfield: Diamondbacks Should Upgrade Outfield

Count ESPN’s David Schoenfield among those who feel the Diamondbacks should pursue the Tigers’ J.D. Martinez. He does note though, that the team may have difficulty putting together a suitable deal.

Around MLB

ESPN’s Midseason Grades

You know you’re in a tough division when three of five teams rate an ‘A’ grade.

One Goal for Each Team

Taking a look at the biggest need for each of the 30 teams.

Why Each 50-Win Team Will and Will Not Continue Success into 2nd Half

There should be no surprises about Arizona’s worries.

Quintana Trade Take Two

With the trade deadline coming up, gauging the value of talent on the market is going to become a big deal. Some think the Cubs overpaid for Quintana. Others are not convinced.