Arizona Diamondbacks Early Season Analysis: Key Trends from 5-5 Start

The Arizona Diamondbacks have had a mixed start to the 2025 MLB season, opening with a 5-5 record. While this is an improvement over their 4-6 start last year, it falls short of the high expectations set for the team.

With star player Ketel Marte sidelined due to a hamstring strain, the team has faced several challenges. However, there are both positive and negative trends that fans should keep an eye on as the season progresses.

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Early Season Performance

The Diamondbacks have shown a knack for comebacks, but this strategy is not sustainable in the long run. They have trailed in nine out of their ten games, often falling behind by multiple runs early in the game.

Their starting pitching has been inconsistent, with an ERA of 5.96, ranking 27th in MLB. Despite these challenges, the offense has been solid, ranking fifth in scoring with an average of 5.8 runs per game and an OPS of .800.

Starting Pitching Woes

Arizona’s starting rotation has struggled to find consistency. The team’s starters have combined for a high ERA and have allowed the fifth-most walks in the league, although they also rank second in strikeouts.

Here are some key statistics for the starting pitchers:

Zac Gallen: 10.2 IP, 4 ER
Merrill Kelly: 9 IP, 10 ER
Brandon Pfaadt: 12 IP, 7 ER
Eduardo Rodriguez: 10.1 IP, 7 ER
Corbin Burnes: 9.1 IP, 6 ER

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Zac Gallen has had the standout performance of the season so far, delivering a 6.2 scoreless-inning game against the New York Yankees, striking out 13 batters. However, the rest of the rotation needs to step up if the Diamondbacks are to improve their standing.

Offensive Highlights

The Diamondbacks’ offense has been a bright spot, particularly in the later innings. The team ranks 11th in scoring through the first six innings but significantly improves in the final three innings, batting .328 and scoring the second-most runs in MLB during this period.

Key players have stepped up to fill the void left by Marte’s absence.

Notable Performances

Several players have made significant contributions to the team’s offensive efforts:

Corbin Carroll: Slashing .282/.391/.641 with three doubles, three home runs, and a triple.
Alek Thomas: Batting .381 with two doubles and a triple in six games.
Seth Beer: Batting .350 in nine games, filling in as the designated hitter against right-handed pitchers.

Carroll, in particular, has been a standout, breaking out of a three-month struggle at the plate last year to become a key offensive player. His performance will be crucial for the Diamondbacks as they navigate the season without Marte.

Defensive Struggles

The Diamondbacks have faced challenges on the defensive front, committing seven errors in their first ten games. Their defensive runs saved (DRS) is -4, placing them in the bottom five of the league. This has put additional pressure on their already struggling pitching staff.

Key Defensive Issues

Several defensive lapses have been particularly costly:

Outfield Mistakes: Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s missed attempt and Corbin Carroll’s dropped catch.
Infield Mix-Ups: Flips to first base with the pitcher covering the bag resulting in errors.

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The team emphasizes defense and works hard to improve during spring training, but these early-season errors need to be addressed quickly to avoid further losses.

Relief Pitching and Bullpen Performance

Despite the struggles of the starting rotation, the Diamondbacks’ bullpen has been relatively solid. The bullpen has a respectable ERA of 3.79, with several players making significant contributions.

Standout Relievers

Key performances from the bullpen include:

A.J. Puk: 3-for-3 in save opportunities.
Justin Martinez: 3.2 scoreless innings with six strikeouts.
Shelby Miller and Jalen Beeks: Combined for 12.1 innings and one earned run.

Looking Ahead

The Diamondbacks face a challenging schedule ahead, with upcoming games against the Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Brewers. The National League West is off to a strong start, with the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres all performing well. The Diamondbacks will need to address their early-season issues to stay competitive in this tough division.

Key Areas for Improvement

To improve their performance, the Diamondbacks should focus on:

Starting Pitching: Achieving more consistency and reducing early-game deficits.
Defense: Minimizing errors and improving defensive plays.
Offensive Consistency: Maintaining strong offensive performances throughout the game.

By addressing these areas, the Diamondbacks can turn their season around and meet the high expectations set for them.

For more detailed analysis and updates on the Arizona Diamondbacks’ early trends, visit Arizona Sports.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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