The Arizona Diamondbacks secured a three-game sweep against the Los Angeles Dodgers, launching them up Bleacher Report's power rankings from No. 18 last week to No. 15 this week. Forget the standings for a second: they’re sitting a mere 2.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. This team just caught fire at the absolute perfect time.
Pfaadt's Pitching Turnaround Is Absolutely Wild
Dude, you HAVE to talk about the pitching staff. It looks so much better, and Brandon Pfaadt is the absolute hero right now. Remember when he had that 5.92 ERA, doing relief work for a month, then got sent down to Triple-A Reno in early June? Forget that guy. Since returning late last month, he's pitched three starts, gone 3-0, and boasts a ridiculous 1.72 ERA. He didn't just win, he out-dueled Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Saturday! Seriously, that's clutch. And it's not just Pfaadt; Merrill Kelly delivered a seven-inning gem this week, looking like he's totally bouncing back from a brutal June. The pitching has tightened up, and it's making all the difference.Road Warriors Bring the Fire, Power Rankings Confirm
These D-backs had a ridiculously tough road stretch against division rivals, and they absolutely owned it. First, a four-game series against the San Diego Padres where they battled to a series split. That's good work. But then, they rolled into Los Angeles and absolutely took care of the Blue Crew, delivering a three-game sweep! Their offense isn't blowing teams out, but it's doing exactly what it needs to do, squeezing out those tough wins when they matter most. This isn't just fan hype, either. Kerry Miller from Bleacher Report saw it, bumping them three spots in the power rankings. While chasing the Dodgers for the NL West crown might still be a long shot, Miller hit it right on the head: "there might still be postseason life in the desert after all." This team built serious momentum going into the All-Star break, even with a brutal schedule.What's Next for This Surprising D-backs Squad
Now, the All-Star break gives these guys a crucial chance to rest and recover. When they come back, they need to carry every ounce of this momentum into their next series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals, by the way, have been one of the biggest surprises this season. This is a chance for the D-backs to show this isn't a fluke. If they keep this kind of fire and solid pitching going, that Wild Card spot is not just a dream, it's a real target. Keep your eyes peeled, because these Diamondbacks are suddenly looking dangerous.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.