No team in the majors has a worse conversion rate of save chances than the Diamondbacks, and only three teams in the majors have a worse bullpen ERA.
The offense’s struggles with runners in scoring position in recent days have been hard to overlook, but the bullpen’s continued struggles have turned close games into blowouts and, as was the case on Friday night, late leads into eventual losses.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo has been using his relievers in floating, undefined roles so far this season. Right-hander Stefan Crichton has been the lone exception; he has been deployed in what amounts to a closer’s role.