The Diamondbacks kept themselves from getting their playoff plug pulled in the Wild Card race with a series win over the Cincinnati Reds at Chase Field. While Arizona claimed two of three, the weekend showed that this team is still clawing and scratching their way through a 1% chance to the playoffs. The D-backs flashed star power, welcomed back Moreno, and found a way to win a tight game, but it also reminded fans how thin the margin for error remains.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Game 1: Carroll, Moreno, and Gurriel Jr Save the Day
Friday’s opener had all the drama of a playoff
preview. Gabriel Moreno, fresh off the injured list, wasted no time sparking the offense with a home run and a single in the 9th. His return immediately lengthened the lineup, providing stability behind and at the plate that had been sorely missed.
Ryne Nelson weathered early struggles to give Arizona a chance, but it was Corbin Carroll who authored the defining moment: in the 10th inning, he cut down the go-ahead run at the plate with a rocket from the outfield. Although it was a great throw, it was still an impossible out if not for the incredible tag by Moreno to save the day. The play galvanized the team and kept the game alive long enough for Lourdes Gurriel Jr. to deliver the walk-off. A statement win, both for Moreno’s return and Carroll’s all-around impact.
Game 2: Offense Erupts in Statement Win
If Friday was about grit, Saturday was about dominance. The D-backs turned what looked like a vulnerable bullpen day into one of their most convincing wins of the season. Nabil Crismatt delivered four scoreless innings, handing the game to a bullpen that, for once, held its ground and even managed a rare four-inning save by Woodford.
The offense, meanwhile, broke loose. Geraldo Perdomo powered the charge with a home run and three RBIs, surpassing Nick Ahmed’s career RBI high for a D-backs shortstop. Blaze, Moreno, and Gurriel added support as Arizona put up 10 runs, a glimpse of the lineup’s potential when Moreno is in the mix and Perdomo is locked in.
After what’s seemed like a very long and stressful season, it was refreshing to have a good old-fashioned beat-down on an unsuspecting team.
Game 3: Gallen Strong, but Bats Go Quiet
The chance for a sweep slipped away on Sunday. Zac Gallen looked more like the ace the D-backs need him to be, working six innings of one-run baseball with seven strikeouts. But the offense disappeared, managing little against Cincinnati’s bullpen.
When the Reds broke through with a big eighth inning, it underscored a season-long theme: when strong starting pitching shows up, bad timing seems to hit the offense hard. A sweep could have significantly boosted Arizona’s playoff odds; instead, the loss left them still on the edge of contention. To say the least, it is a little demoralizing to fall 2 games behind after one loss.
Star Performances
Geraldo Perdomo: From Solid Starter to MVP Buzz
Perdomo’s evolution has been one of 2025’s biggest storylines for the Diamondbacks. Over the weekend he reached base nine times, flashing patience, power, and situational hitting. His .290 average, .843 OPS, and 136 WRC+ put him in the top tier of NL shortstops. More telling are the advanced metrics: his WAR ranks top five in the league, and his RE24 (a measure of runs added in context) trails only Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Schwarber.
This is not empty production. Perdomo has become the glue of Arizona’s lineup, both on the field and in the clubhouse. With 84 RBIs, a franchise record for a shortstop, he’s pushing into MVP conversation. He may not have Ohtani’s star power, but among NL position players, few have been as consistently valuable. It may be a tired observation, but if Perdomo was on a team that received more national media attention, he would certainly be getting the praise he deserves. However, I am happy with or without the national attention and proud of the player that Perdomo has developed into. The cherry on top is always reminding ourselves that Perdomo is only 25 years old.
Gabriel Moreno: The Missing Spark Plug
It’s not just Moreno’s 4-for-8, home run, and four RBIs this weekend. It’s what he represents. Without him, the D-backs’ catching situation had become a liability both offensively and defensively. His return immediately tightened the defense, brought stability to the pitching staff, and gave the lineup a contact bat with power potential.
Off the field, Moreno’s improved communication in English has deepened his connection with teammates, particularly Carroll. That intangible leadership is something the front office values as they map out the team’s long-term core. We hope it’s not too late, but we’re happy that he’s back.
Corbin Carroll: More Than Just Speed
Carroll’s season has been uneven, but his tools remain undeniable. His game-saving throw Friday was as important as any hit, and he continues to build toward a rare 20 HR / 20 SB / 20 triples milestone. Carroll’s defense and versatility allow Arizona to withstand inconsistency elsewhere in the outfield. If his bat stays consistent down the stretch, the lineup changes complexion.
Zac Gallen: Trending Toward Ace Form Again
After an uneven first half, Gallen looks more like himself the last few games. His 3.28 ERA in August and improved fastball command suggest he’s rediscovering the rhythm that made him a Cy Young candidate. We’re not out of the woods quite yet but it’s fair to say we might be seeing flashes of what once was for the Milk Man. His contract situation looms: a qualifying offer worth around $22 million is likely, but his finish to the season could determine whether Arizona views him as a centerpiece or trade chip.
Roster Questions That Won’t Go Away
- Jose Herrera DFA: With Moreno back, the D-backs designated Herrera for assignment. Beloved in the clubhouse, Herrera’s bat never translated at the MLB level (.539 OPS), and his defensive struggles left the team exposed. He may clear waivers, but his path looks AAA-bound. As of Monday morning after the MLB offices have opened, no announcements have been made about any other team picking him up. Despite not being up to par as a steady MLB talent, we’re grateful for the big shoes that Herrera tried to fill while Moreno was hurt.
- First Base Black Hole: Arizona’s first basemen have combined to hit just .173 this year. Tyler Locklear shows flashes but needs development; Pavin Smith has plateaued. Ivan Melendez, slugging in the minors, could get a look. Unless someone steps forward, first base will be an offseason priority.
- Bullpen Instability: A staggering 15 pitchers have recorded saves this season, the most in MLB history. The lack of a defined closer has cost games, and Burgos’ Sunday meltdown reminded everyone how fragile the late innings remain. For Arizona to compete in 2025, this cannot be the model. However, I think Torey should certainly get some slack on this one. Whether you choose to interpret the 15 pitchers as a problem or an impressive feat of managing by Lovullo, you hope next year’s circumstances are much different than this.
Playoff Math and Big-Picture Stakes
At five and a half games out of the Wild Card, the D-backs are still alive but clinging to hope. They need to not just win series, but to sweep in order to climb back in. The upcoming slates against the Brewers and Dodgers could define the season. I cannot emphasize how inconvenient the strength of the schedule is from here, but optimistically the stronger competition will forge the Diamondbacks into stepping up right at the opportune moment.
Even if 2025 falls short of October, there’s meaning in what’s emerging. Perdomo is turning into a cornerstone, Moreno looks like a pillar on the field, Carroll continues to be a dynamic catalyst, and Gallen’s reemergence is encouraging. This is all without mentioning Ketel Marte this entire time.
The weekend against Cincinnati summed up this team: flashes of brilliance, stretches of frustration, and a hopeful feeling that the foundation is solid, even if the top layers are shaky.
