The Arizona Diamondbacks first quarter of the 2026 has arrived. The early schedule was predicted to be menacing, and the team is where everyone expected them to be, near the .500 mark.
Looked Good Early
The Diamondbacks looked good early on in the season and have rebounded after being swept to start the season. Through April 18, the team was 13-8. Then the offense seemed to go “on hiatus,” and the starting rotation heavily taxed the bullpen with a deficiency of quality starts. The result, a 3-9 record from April 19 through May 3.
Manager’s Meeting
The starting rotation was having issues. Walks were mounting and home runs were coming in a steady stream. The starters’ ERA was close to 5.50. This prompted Manager Torey Lovullo, who favors individual “meetings” with his players, to call in his entire starting rotation for a very “one-way” dialogue.
Starting Pitching
Since that meeting, the starting rotation has rejuvenated and become stable. They went out and showed their best stretch of pitching depth. Working deep into games, they recorded a streak of seven consecutive starts of at least six innings—the longest active streak in MLB.
Key Stabilizers
Eduardo Rodríguez and Michael Soroka have been key stabilizers in the rotation. Rodriguez came into Spring Training 2026 having dropped over 20 pounds. After his showing in the World Baseball Classic, he has returned to form. Now fully healthy for the first time since 2023. Rodriguez has been more selective in his pitches and it shows. He has four wins and a 2.53 ERA.
After several years of injury setbacks, Soroka has been a pleasant surprise. After signing with the Diamondbacks in December, the right-hander has become a reputable starter. As of this past Sunday, he has a 6-2 record with a 3.49 ERA in nine starts.
Bullpen
The bullpen started slow but has since recovered. Though their ERA is ranked in the bottom 10, pitchers Andrew Hoffmann, Taylor Rashi, and Joe Ross along with catcher James McCann account for 38% of the earned runs the bullpen. That group of arms had given up 27 runs in 23 innings. Only McCann remains on active roster at this point.
Bullpen Surprises
Taylor Clarke returned to the team that drafted him. In his first game back, he gave up four runs in 1/3 of an inning. Since then, however, he has only given up one run in 20.1 innings.
After 10 years in MiLB, Juan Morillo has found a home in Arizona. He has been pleasantly effective so far this season. The right-hander is the go-to arm in the 8th-inning, He’s currently holding down a 1.83 ERA.
Closer Spot
When Paul Sewald signed his deal with the Diamondbacks, the fans were not happy. Although the RHP (right-handed pitcher) is the same closer who was a key arm in their magical 2023 World Series run, he is also the guy who lost his closer role the next year season and was not offered a 2025 deal. Now healthy, Sewald has returned to form, and is demonstrating improved command and has saved 11 out of 12 games.
Impressive Infield Defense
This team has seen much-improved defensive play across the first quarter of the season. Their 12 defensive runs saved ranked eighth in MLB. Infield stability with Nolan Arenado at third base and Geraldo Perdomo at short has provided strong defense up the middle.
Offense
The first quarter of the season for the Arizona Diamondbacks has arrived and one concern is the offense. It has been inconsistent early on. The team is near the bottom in home runs, hits, runs, and OBP (on-base percentage). Top hitters, including Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Ketel Marte, and Perdomo, have seen their averages below .240. There are also team-wide matters with chasing pitches out of the strike zone and impatience at the plate.
A Few Positives
There have been a few offensive positives, however. José Fernández was called up in late March and provided a spark. He has played three infield spots and has hit his first home run. Super utility player Ildemaro Vargas has played excellent defense at first base. Though he has only played 19 games in his career at first, he was needed when injuries to Tyler Locklear, Carlos Santana, and Pavin Smith, took them out of play. On top of that, Vargas has been their most consistent offensive player and at one point had a 27-game hitting streak. He won National League Player of the Month for March/April.
Outlook for the Offense
The first quarter of the season for the Arizona Diamondbacks has arrived and the team has some work to do heading into the second quarter and beyond. The offense needs to be better if they want to stay competitive. The trio of Gurriel Jr., Marte, and Perdomo need to break out and have to be much better for this team to contend. If they can get into a hot streak and the bats of Arenado and Corbin Carroll remain steady, this team can reel off some much-needed wins.
With not much home-run power, they need to take advantage of “small-ball” play. Hit-and-run situations, double steals, and turning singles into doubles must continue. Run-scoring hits with runners in scoring position are essential and must also improve.
Will the Starting Staff Hold Up
While the team is perched around the .500 mark, the 2026 Diamondbacks are positioned as a contender for the postseason. However, the starting rotation, which has been better since Lovullo’s meeting, needs continued improvement from Zac Gallen and Ryne Nelson. They, along with Merrill Kelly, Rodríguez, and Soroka, need to continue the quality starts and go at least six innings consistently so the bullpen doesn’t get overtaxed.
Outlook
The Diamondbacks survived a tough early schedule through the first quarter of the 2026 season. And, while playing well enough to be close to .500, they could get a boost from the return of players sidelined by injuries. Ace Corbin Burnes and bullpen arms Justin Martínez and A.J. Puk will be back around the All-Star break and should provide a boost if they can get back to form.
Starting pitching needs to continue playing at current levels or better. The bullpen, too, needs to be more reliable. If the entire defense can continue playing well and the offense can find consistency—settle into small ball, take their time at the plate, etc., this team would have no trouble contending for and in October baseball.
