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In this game Robbie Ray proved he could bear down and get big strikeouts when he needs them. Jake Lamb proved he could hit left-handed pitching by hitting two big home runs against southpaws. Ketel Marte proved he can hit a baseball very far. Fernando Rodney proved that bad things happen when you come into a game unable to throw strikes. That game made me physically ill, but I am glad our D-backs are coming home, leaving Dodger Stadium behind.
Related: D-backs Stunned by Dodgers in 9th
Related: D-backs Swept After Rodney Melts Down in 9th
D-backs Have Dilemma at Trade Deadline
The Diamondbacks have to decide if they want to stand pat or be buyers at the trade deadline. My first reaction this morning is that we need a closer we can trust. Maybe that is an overreaction, but the D-backs must also consider that Rubby De La Rosa is now on the DL with right shoulder inflammation and that Archie Bradley can only do so much. At least we are not sellers.
Lovullo Discounts Recent Loss of Momentum
Torey Lovullo still believes the D-backs are in a good spot despite recently losing a series to the Cardinals and Dodgers. Baseball guys know that there will always be ups and downs during a long season. The D-backs are in a good spot overall.
When Mike Hazen took the helm of the Diamondbacks he could have been justified to blow up the team. Sell off key pieces for prospects and start over. Instead he decided to keep the core and add some inexpensive veteran pieces. Even the Jean Segura trade brought in players ready to play at the Major League level. As it turns out, standing pat was the right thing to do.
Around MLB
Ichiro Passes Rod Carew as Foreign-Born Hits Leader
An amazing career for Ichiro. Before he came into the league, there was a consensus that Japan could only produce pitchers. Ichiro has proved them wrong with a current total of 3,054 MLB hits. His numbers get ridiculous when you start adding his career in Japan.
An interesting article that shows a list of hitters that have improved in the first half of 2017 compared to the second half of 2016. A change of approach to hitting may have helped Jake Lamb get on the list of most improved.
ESPN has Aaron Judge and Chris Sale leading the AL races. Goldy and Max Scherzer in the NL. I’m glad Goldy is getting some positive attention in the national media. I just hope that newfound media love hasn’t been responsible for his recent mini-slump. Perhaps some day I will go over that Max Scherzer deal.