Despite strong starts from Pfaadt and Burnes, the Diamondbacks dropped another series to the Dodgers as bullpen misfires, quiet bats, and puzzling roster decisions continued to hold the team back.
The Arizona Diamondbacks may have gone 1–2 in their latest series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the feeling on Dbacks Dispatch is that they let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers. In their latest episode, hosts Gabriel and Brandon deliver an emotional, brutally honest breakdown of the series: a mix of encouraging pitching, bullpen chaos, and another offensive blackout that’s threatening to slump the D-Backs.
Pfaadt Finds a Way, Bullpen Bends (But Doesn’t Break)
The D-backs took the opener 9–5 thanks to an unconventional but effective start by Brandon Pfaadt, who went six innings without recording a strikeout, allowing only three solo home runs. While that stat line raised eyebrows, the hosts emphasized how Pfaadt’s pitch-to-contact approach is uniquely effective against the Dodgers, who rarely chase out of the zone.
Despite a few bombs, Pfaadt earned his seventh win of the season and maintained a strong track record versus LA. The offense showed signs of life, with Gabriel Moreno and Corbin Carroll delivering late heroics to extend the lead. Still, the bullpen usage raised concerns.
Scott McGough, freshly recalled, looked sharp in a low-leverage role, while Juan Morillo continues to impress. But the real controversy came in the ninth, when Torey Lovullo opted to pull McGough after just 14 pitches, choosing instead to bring in the struggling Ryan Thompson, who nearly blew the lead.
The move was questioned by fans, the hosts, and even TV analyst Bob Brenly, all wondering: “Why not stick with the hot hand?”
Nelson Shines, Offense Disappears
If Game 1 was shaky but satisfying, Game 2 was all missed opportunities.
Ryne Nelson, stepping into the rotation for the injured E-Rod, delivered a strong five-inning, one-run outing. Brandon and Gabe were thrilled with his composure, command, and fastball up in the zone. It was the kind of performance that makes a strong case for keeping him in the rotation, especially compared to E-Rod’s continued struggles.
Unfortunately, the offense failed to back him up. The team didn’t score until the ninth inning, and despite clutch hits from Gabriel Moreno and Corbin Carroll, the D-Backs never took the lead.
Tensions rose again over Jordan Lawlar’s usage. The highly touted prospect was pulled in a critical at-bat for Eugenio Suárez, who immediately popped out on the first pitch. Lawlar had just faced tough righties all week and was finally due to face a lefty. The hosts questioned: “Why call him up if you won’t let him face key moments?”
The bullpen wasn’t the main culprit in this loss, but poor roster management and inconsistent offense told the story. The D-backs went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position, stranding 11.
Burnes Shoves, But It’s Not Enough
Corbin Burnes gave the D-Backs everything they could ask for: 7 innings, 2 earned runs, and total control outside of one hanging slider to Teoscar Hernández, which was launched for a three-run bomb. It was the only mistake in an otherwise brilliant performance.
The problem? The offense gave him one run of support, a solo shot from Ketel Marte. Arizona collected seven hits and one walk but went 0-for-3 with RISP and left seven on base.
Burnes’ frustration was visible. Despite three consecutive dominant outings and a 2.73 ERA, he has little to show for it in the win column. The hosts praised his growing comfort in a D-Backs uniform and argued he looks every bit like a $200 million ace, but said he’s pitching with zero margin for error.
Talent Is There, Execution Isn’t
The D-Backs are still hovering around .500 and within reach of a Wild Card spot, but the fanbase’s patience is wearing thin. Despite elite-level starting pitching from Burnes, Kelly, and Pfaadt, the offense remains inconsistent and the bullpen unreliable.
As Gabriel and Brandon put it, “It’s not early anymore.” The team has remained in fourth place since the opening week, and unless they stop treading water, they risk wasting their window.
Still, there’s hope. Burnes is dealing, Moreno is heating up, and Ryne Nelson might be the unexpected boost the rotation needs. But the club must address its offensive issues and stop punting games via bullpen chaos if it wants to compete in a deep NL playoff race.