The Diamondbacks have hovered at or near the top of the National League West all year, never falling more than 1 1/2 games back. But if the season had ended at the All-Star break on Sunday, they would have finished just behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the division and percentage points back of a wild-card spot.
Their first 97 games have been filled with ups and downs – more turns in each direction, it seems, than for most contending clubs. Here’s a look at what’s worked well and what’s held them back so far this year.
Three up
Relief pitching: Give the front office credit for this one.