Sedona 9: Weekly Recap (3/31 - 4/6)

​The Arizona Diamondbacks concluded a week of mixed results, finishing with a 3-3 record against the New York Yankees and the Washington Nationals. The team showcased both standout performances and areas needing improvement. Let's delve into this week's "Sedona 9," highlighting the top performers, those who faced challenges, and the week's surprises.​

Top 3 Performers:

1. Zac Gallen – Gallen delivered an exceptional performance on April 2 against the New York Yankees. He pitched 6 2/3 shutout innings, allowing only three hits and no walks while tying his career high with 13 strikeouts. This dominant outing was instrumental in the Diamondbacks' 4-3 victory and demonstrated Gallen's ability to neutralize a potent Yankees lineup.

2. Corbin Carroll – Carroll was a consistent offensive force throughout the week. Notably, on April 6 against the Washington Nationals, he recorded three hits, including a triple, and scored a run. Over the six-game stretch, Carroll maintained a batting average of .333, showcasing his ability to get on base and contribute significantly to the team's offense.

3. Geraldo Perdomo – Perdomo made significant contributions, particularly with his grand slam on April 3 against the Yankees, which kept the Diamondbacks competitive in a high-scoring game. Throughout the week, he maintained a batting average of .314 and led the team with 12 RBIs, highlighting his effectiveness in clutch situations.

   
   

Bottom 3 Performers:

1. Merrill Kelly – Kelly faced challenges during his start on April 3 against the Yankees, surrendering nine runs on multiple hits, including a three-run homer to Aaron Judge. This rough outing significantly impacted the game's outcome and raised concerns about consistency in the starting rotation.

2. Corbin Burnes – Burnes struggled with control during his start on April 6 against the Nationals, allowing four runs on seven hits over five innings. This performance resulted in his first loss of the season and highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly in command and pitch execution.

3. Team Bullpen – The bullpen had an inconsistent week, notably on April 3 when Ryan Yarbrough surrendered a grand slam to Geraldo Perdomo, tightening the game against the Yankees. Such lapses raised concerns about the bullpen's reliability in high-leverage situations and the need for more consistent late-game performances.

Top 3 Surprises:

1. José Herrera – Herrera made unexpected contributions on April 6, hitting his second career home run and executing two key defensive plays by tagging out runners at home plate. His performance provided a spark both offensively and defensively, exceeding expectations for the backup catcher and showcasing his potential value to the team's depth.

2. Pavin Smith – Smith had a strong showing during the week, achieving a batting average of .350 with three doubles and two RBIs. His offensive contributions added depth to the lineup and provided crucial support in key moments, indicating his readiness to take on a more significant role.

3. Alek Thomas – Thomas provided a spark off the bench, notably hitting a crucial triple in the eighth inning on April 6 against the Nationals, bringing the Diamondbacks within one run. His speed and timely hitting added depth to the outfield and highlighted his value as a versatile contributor capable of impacting the game in multiple facets.

   
   

The Diamondbacks displayed both strengths and areas for improvement during this week. As they prepare to host the Baltimore Orioles, focusing on consistency in both pitching and offense will be key to building momentum and achieving more favorable outcomes in the upcoming games.