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The Diamondbacks’ offense continues to struggle in the month of July. It is almost the same lineup (plus Pollock) that was doing plenty good during the first three months of the season. Facing so many lefties hasn’t helped, but are left-handers that impossible to hit? Godley gave up 6 earned runs in 6 innings. Giving up more than 2 runs is enough to lose when the offense doesn’t show up. The D-backs have too many quality bats, they will have to pull out of it sooner or later. Hopefully sooner.
Related: D-backs Fall Flat in Series Finale
Related: D-backs Swept by Braves, Season-high Losing Streak Grows to 5 Games
Ray Ready for Reds After 11 Days of Rest
In other D-backs news, Robbie Ray was activated off the unofficial 10-day DL and will start Tuesday. His ailment was undisclosed, but apparently getting selected to the All-Star game means you need two weeks off. Seriously though, I understand the idea behind giving Ray and Greinke some time off before the long second half of the season. But the Diamondbacks have lost 5 straight and Ray and Greinke did not pitch in any of those games. At some point past the normal 4 days of rest, diminishing returns of that rest starts to occur.
Randall Delgado Lands on DL with Right Elbow Inflammation
Delgado has had a surprising season that has helped the team win games. He has restored my confidence in him, but he will be out for an unknown amount of time. J.J. Hoover is back on the roster after his stint on the DL. Hopefully he can return to his early season form.
Diamondbacks: A Look at Second Half Schedule
We always knew the D-backs would have a more difficult schedule the second half. August in particular has many games against the Cubs, Astros, and Dodgers. Getting back on track before heading into August would be ideal. Building on wild card lead will make those Cubs games less stressful. Currently, the D-backs have a 6.5 game lead over the Cubs.
Around MLB
Nationals Make Inevitable Trade for Actual Good Relievers
Jeff Sullivan on FanGraphs writes a good analysis of the trade to shore up the beleaguered Nationals bullpen. Despite having a bullpen that ranks last in WAR, the Nationals are pretty much guaranteed to win in the weak NL East. Bullpen help is coming in the form of Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson. Better relievers are still out there to be had, but good ones are always helpful.
Quintana Strikes Out 12 in Cubs Debut
Too early to say this trade will work out for the Cubs, but they did get some early returns out of Quintana. Over the next couple of months, we will see if the Cubs can make a run for a playoff spot. One of those spots is currently held by the Diamondbacks. Not time to start looking over our shoulders quite yet though.
Beane: A’s Rebuilding with New Stadium in Mind
Beane has always been able to find good players, just not keep them. A new stadium may change that. But going forward, there will be less excuses.