Game Recaps
D-backs can’t curb mistakes vs. Giants to fall behind in postseason chase by Henry Schulman [MLB]
The story was not merely Christian Koss’ bases-loaded double in the sixth inning, which scored two to break a 4-4 tie, nor Patrick Bailey’s sacrifice fly, nor the Heliot Ramos two-run homer that capped the five-run rally. The prologue was just as ugly for Arizona.
The Giants loaded the bases against reliever Brandyn Garcia with a leadoff ground ball by Matt Chapman that shortstop Gerardo Perdomo fired
past first base for an error, a walk to pinch-hitter Luis Matos and catcher Gabriel Moreno’s inability to grab a Jung Hoo Lee bunt, ruled a single because of Lee’s speed.
Diamondbacks Waste Prime Opportunity to Climb Back In Playoff Race by Alex D’Agostino [SI]
The Diamondbacks fall back into a familiar hole, sinking below .500 at 72-73, while the Giants continue to keep their playoff hopes (and red-hot recent streak) alive at 73-71.
Diamondbacks News
Geraldo Perdomo’s 2025 Breakout Should Earn MVP Votes by Michael McDermott [D-backs Under Review]
In a year defined by injuries, Perdomo has been the picture of good health. He has played in 142 of the D-backs’ 144 games at shortstop. This gives manager Torey Lovullo a reliable player in the lineup.
Oftentimes, the hitter who drives in runs will get more glamour from the media. However, there is something to be said about the guy who sets the table. Perdomo is one of the best hitters at creating run-scoring opportunities.
How Diamondbacks’ Unsung Hero is Finding Unconventional Success by Alex D’Agostino [SI]
The veteran righty averages just 89 MPH on his fastball. His primary pitch is an 81 MPH changeup — a pitch that moves, bends and drops into the zone in a baffling manner. He’s not your typical arm in today’s game, where velocity and pure stuff are king.
“The game has evolved and taken a totally different turn over the past 15 years,” manager Torey Lovullo said. “I can appreciate what Crismatt has been doing. It works. When you throw the ball in the teacup and you know where it’s going, there’s a lot of value in that.”
Diamondbacks okay Tyler Locklear on IL, recall Tim Tawa by Alex Weiner [Arizona Sports]
The Diamondbacks do not have a primary first baseman on the active roster, but Tawa and Ildemaro Vargas have some experience manning the position. Vargas was slated to start Monday’s game at first base against the San Francisco Giants.
Around the League
How Much Do Trail Runners Matter? An Investigation by Michael Rosen [FanGraphs]
But even after factoring in sprint speed, there’s still a good chunk of variation to account for. Take the poor Rockies. Their sprint speed is identical to the Brewers’; they also rank dead last in both BsR and Baserunning Run Value. As Juan Soto and Josh Naylor have shown this season, speed isn’t everything when it comes to running the bases with skill. It takes instincts, good reads, split-second decisions, and quality coaching on the corners. It’s more than just zooming from base to base.
Slade Cecconi loses no-hit bid in 8th as Guardians roll [ESPN]
Cecconi (6-6) was six outs from the first no-hitter in the majors this season — and Cleveland’s first since Len Barker’s perfect game in 1981 — when Kansas City’s Michael Massey singled leading off the eighth.
On Cecconi’s 95th pitch, Massey lined a 2-1 fastball into left-center. The right-hander received a nice ovation from the crowd in Progressive Field before Cecconi got Carter Jensen to hit into a double play.
Phillies outdoes Mets behind vintage Nola, clutch Duran by Paul Casella [MLB]
On the same day the Phillies placed both Trea Turner and Alec Bohm on the injured list, Nola turned in one of his best starts of the season in a 1-0 series-opening win against the Mets at Citizens Bank Park. The victory pushed Philadelphia’s (84-60) lead over New York (76-68) atop the NL East to a season-high eight games with 18 to play.
Ryan Bliss Undergoes Season-Ending Meniscus Surgery by Anthony Franco [MLB Trade Rumors] {Ed. Note: Former Snakes’ farmhand who was part of the trade package for Paul Sewald}
Bliss is already on the 60-day injured list. Seattle’s Opening Day second baseman suffered a biceps rupture on a swing in the middle of April. He underwent surgery that came with a 4-5 month recovery timeline. Bliss had seemingly made good progress and was healthy enough to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma on August 28. He was hitting .385 over six games there before suffering the meniscus tear.
