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Starting pitching puts together a strong outing - check. Offense is unable to do anything productive against a sub-par team and starter - check. Bullpen is actually quite good, but cannot withstand the narrow one-run margin they are left to hold -check. In the end, Archie Bradley blew a save in the 12th inning that represented the Diamondbacks’ last real chance to win this game.
The Diamondbacks did not walk away with the win on Friday night, but not for lack of performance on Patrick Corbin’s part. The free agent to-be pitched five innings of one-run ball to close out his season with an 11-7 record, a 3.15 ERA, exactly 200 innings pitched, and a 246:48 SO:BB.
Even with a 40-man roster, the Diamondbacks were running low on arms when they finally turned to Matt Andriese to pitch the 15th inning. The struggling right-hander faced seven hitters, walking two and allowing to hits, including the walk-off double by Freddy Galvis.
Tough Decisions Await Mike Hazen and Co.
A.J. Pollock and Patrick Corbin are set to hit free agency. A host of role players are preparing to join them. The team has one starter coming off of Tommy John and another who has failed to return from Tommy John fixed. Paul Goldschmidt is entering his contract season. The Diamondbacks spent 125 days in first place, but limped across the finish line with a losing record at home. Just which course will Mike Hazen set for the Diamondbacks’ future?
A Rebuild Means Trading Paul Goldschmidt Now
Dan Bickley discusses one of the likely hot-topics of discussion with regard to Arizona’s upcoming offseason.
Daniel Descalso Hopes for 2019 Reunion
Count Daniel Descalso among those not quite ready to pull the plug on this iteration of the Diamondbacks.
Greinke Trending Towards Cooperstown
He isn’t there yet, but finishing out the final three years of his contract in a healthy, productive manner could vault him into serious consideration.
Around MLB
Which Team Needs World Series Most?
The arguments for and against get much better starting at number two, behind the Cleveland Indians.
National League Closer Turnover
Examining the possibilities for NL teams moving forward. With Archie Bradley, Yoshihisa Hirano, and Brad Boxberger all still in-house for 2019, it’s likely Arizona will first look to fill other holes that this winter is bringing.