Sedona 9 of the Week: Opening Series Edition

Let us introduce... The "Sedona 9 of the Week", your go-to weekly breakdown, where we highlight the top 3 performers, bottom 3 performers, and top 3 surprises from the week. After a wild opening series split against the Cubs, the D-backs had plenty of standout performances—and a few areas that need improvement. Let’s dive in!

Top 3 Performers:

1. Eugenio Suárez – Third Baseman Suárez was locked in from the jump, launching three home runs and driving in seven RBIs across the four-game series. His two-homer performance in Game 2 was a masterclass in power hitting, and his clutch two-run shot in Game 3 nearly sparked a comeback. Suárez’s bat looks ready to be a consistent force in the middle of the D-backs’ lineup.

2. Josh Naylor – First Baseman Naylor was a steady presence at the plate, hitting .400 (6-for-15) with two doubles, three RBIs, and a .500 OBP. He delivered clutch hits throughout the series, including a pivotal go-ahead RBI double during the eighth-inning rally in Game 4. His ability to produce in high-leverage situations is already proving invaluable.

3. Merrill Kelly – Starting Pitcher

   Kelly delivered a strong performance in Game 2, helping the D-backs bounce back after their Opening Day loss. He tossed 5 1/3 innings of one-run baseball, allowing just three hits and striking out six. His poise and command kept the Cubs’ offense in check and set the tone for the D-backs' emphatic 8-1 victory. Kelly’s reliability and ability to work deep into games will be critical as the season progresses.

   
   
   
   

   

   Kelly had a solid debut outing for the Diamondbacks on Friday night vs the Cubs.

Bottom 3 Performers:

1. Jake McCarthy – Outfielder McCarthy had a rough go at the plate, going 0-for-8 across his appearances in the series. His struggles with timing and pitch recognition left him searching for answers. He’ll need to find his groove quickly to stay in the lineup.

2. Ryne Nelson – Pitcher Nelson’s brief time on the mound didn’t go as planned, as he posted a 21.60 ERA after allowing four runs on five hits over just 1.2 innings. However, his pinch-hit RBI single in Game 4 made for an unforgettable moment.

3. Team Defense The D-backs' defense committed multiple errors during the series, including three in Game 2. While it didn’t cost them that game, tightening things up defensively will be essential as the season progresses.

   

   Jake had a forgettable start to the season with a big miscue on defense and an 0 for 8 showing at the plate.

   
   

Top 3 Surprises:

1. Pavin Smith – Outfielder Smith made the most of his opportunities, going 4-for-7 (.571) with three doubles and an impressive 1.625 OPS. His unexpected offensive surge gave the D-backs an extra boost at the bottom of the lineup.

2. Alek Thomas – Center Fielder Thomas came alive at the plate, batting .714 (5-for-7) with two doubles and three RBIs. His emergence as a consistent threat adds valuable depth to Arizona’s lineup.

3. Ryne Nelson – Pinch-Hitter Extraordinaire While Nelson struggled on the mound, he made history in Game 4 by becoming the first pitcher in the universal DH era to record an RBI in his first career plate appearance. His unexpected heroics added an unforgettable moment to the D-backs’ comeback win.

   

   Ryne Nelson came through with an unexpected RBI single and came around to score in the same inning.

   
   

Looking Ahead:

The D-backs now head to New York for a three-game series against the Yankees. With momentum on their side after their dramatic Game 4 win, expect the D-backs to ride the energy into the Bronx.

Tune in next week for another edition of the "Sedona 9 of the Week" as we continue to track the highs and lows of Arizona’s 2025 campaign.

Go D-backs! 🐍