It’s been a disappointing season for the Diamondbacks, however one monster efficiency supplied some pleasure — notably within the broadcast sales space.
With Arizona ending its three-game sequence in opposition to the vaunted Dodgers on the highway, first baseman Christian Walker slugged his whopping fifth house run of the slate, leaving jaws agape.
“One other one’s on its manner!” shouted DBacks play-by-play man Steve Berthiaume. “Christian Walker has taken over Dodger Stadium! There is no such thing as a clarification for this. It simply goes on and on and on! It’s superb!”
Along with thumping 5 lengthy ones, Walker went 8-for-13 (a .615 batting common) with 9 runs batted in, a double, three walks and 7 runs — probably on his technique to NL Participant of the Week plaudits.
Arizona rode Walker to 2 essential highway wins at Dodger Stadium, its second away sequence claimed in opposition to L.A. this season.
The 33-year-old Walker is within the midst of one other great offensive marketing campaign, accruing 22 house runs, 62 RBIs and a 145 OPS+ (the place 100 is common) by means of 87 video games.
Throughout 2022-23, Walker belted at the very least 33 house runs and tallied at the very least 94 RBIs, ending with an OPS of at the very least .800.
In truth, Walker is considered one of 9 MLB gamers to perform that stage of energy within the earlier two seasons, together with considered one of three first basemen.
Regardless of the regular raking from Walker, the Diamondbacks entered play Friday at simply 43-44 after making it to the World Collection final season.
Unanimous 2023 Rookie of the 12 months Corbin Carroll is within the throes of a significant sophomore stoop, hitting simply .210 and racking up solely 0.6 wins above substitute by means of 85 video games.
In the meantime, stalwart pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly have mixed to make solely 17 begins due to a number of main accidents.
Regardless of ongoing considerations, the Diamondbacks are solely 2 ½ video games again of the ultimate Nationwide League wild-card spot, the identical route they took to the Fall Traditional after going 84-78 a season in the past.
If Arizona maintains its present tempo, the workforce may choose to each purchase and promote, particularly if it desires to acquire worth for older gamers on expiring contracts — like Walker, Joc Pederson, Paul Sewald, Randal Grichuk, Eugenio Suarez and Kelly.
In response to The Publish’s Jon Heyman, the Houston Astros view Walker as a “dream goal,” however it most likely wouldn’t be low-cost to get the primary baseman.
A technique or one other, Arizona has an enchanting 25 days forward earlier than the July 30 commerce deadline, and Walker figures to be proper on the forefront.
