:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65080747/1169272290.jpg.5.jpg)
Diamondbacks News
Alex Young scattered seven hits across six full innings of work while allowing only three runs. Nick Ahmed hit his 17th home run of the season, a new career high. David Peralta went 3-for-5 in the game and Eduardo Escobar became the third Diamondback to have 20 home runs, 20 doubles, and 10 triples in a season. He’s the first switch-hitter in all of baseball to accomplish the feat since Jimmy Rollins did it back in 2007. Escobar also notched his 100th RBI, becoming the ninth Diamondback to ever do so.
Career Night for Escobar, Ahmed Paces Arizona to Victory
Nick Ahmed continued his streak of excellent play and Eduardo Escobar finally collected his long-sought tenth triple of the season. Nick Ahmed set a career high in home runs and Escobar became only the ninth Diamondback to tally 100 RBI in a reason while becoming the third to tally 20 home runs, 20 doubles, and 10 triples.
In addition to helping the Diamondbacks win the game, Escobar set numerous marks for batting excellence, including becoming the first switch-hitter in the NL to reach 100 RBI since Chase Headley hit 115 in 2012.
Jake Lamb Putting Things Together at Plate (The Athletic)
Seven games into the season, right before he went down for two months with a quad injury, Jake Lamb found his swing. Now, after a prolonged absence due to injury, Jake Lamb is looking for that success to return. His groundball rate has decreased as his rate of line drives and fly balls has jumped. He’s enjoying his highest rate of hard contact ever. Yet he is not pulling the ball as well as he used to and it is showing up in his stat line where he is slightly below average by both OPS+ and wRC+.
Vargas Promoted, Ray Nearing Return
Bo Takahashi will have to wait a bit longer to make his MLB debut. The right-hander returned to AA-Jackson to make room for the Diamondbacks to promote Ildemaro Vargas. Robbie Ray, who landed on the IL with back spasms, appears to be in line to return after the minimum amount of IL time required, facilitating the move of Taylor Clarke back to the bullpen.
The Diamondbacks Nicknames for Players’ Weekend
Here are the nicknames the Diamondbacks’ players settled on for MLB’s promotional weekend.
Around Baseball
It probably is not what you think it is.
Machado and Harper Contracts are Working Out
It is still early days, but the mega-contracts signed by Machado, and Harper appear to be working out fine. Funnily no mention is made of the even bigger deal signed by Mike Trout, but since he is still pacing the planet in performance, I think we can safely say the Angels are happy with the return so far.
15 Players Who Will Decide Playoff Berths
A bit surprisingly, Arizona’s Robbie Ray clocks in at 15th.
A few of the names feel a bit out of place. The one that feels the most right is Bruce Bochy sitting atop the list. At least they got that no-brainer right.
Statcast Tracks Squirrell’s Performance
Route efficiency is leaving a bit to be desired, but that 28.0 mph sprint speed plays well in the outfield.