Cardboard boxes were scattered around the Diamondbacks’ clubhouse Friday as players sifted through their stalls, uncovering a surplus of cleats, fan mail and other miscellaneous items.
The scene was a reminder the end of the season is near with this series against the Padres at Chase Field the team’s final hurdle to clear before embarking on yet another lengthy offseason after missing out on a postseason invite for a fifth straight year.
Injuries, no doubt, played a role in Arizona’s struggles in 2016, and some of the Diamondbacks’ most vital pieces are still dealing with issues as the schedule inches toward its conclusion.