D-Backs Chasing Playoff Berth, Farm System Seeking League Titles
In the Big LeaguesIf you're like us, you can not wait for Aceball at Greater Nevada Field in 2020.Need something to hold you over for the time being; how about an update on the teams still playing under the Diamondbacks' umbrella in 2019? Our parent club in Arizona (75-69) is currently
In the Big Leagues
If you're like us, you can not wait for Aceball at Greater Nevada Field in 2020.
Need something to hold you over for the time being; how about an update on the teams still playing under the Diamondbacks' umbrella in 2019?
Our parent club in Arizona (75-69) is currently 2.5 games behind the Chicago Cubs (77-66) for the National League's second Wild Card position with 18 games remaining. The D-backs have been hot as of late, winners of 11 of their last 14 games.
One of the reasons the team remains in contention is left-hander
Click here for a full list of former Aces contributing for Arizona at the Major League level this year.
The D-backs' push for the playoffs will conclude on September 29 in the desert. Prior to then, the club will face off against the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Miami Marlins, San Diego Padres, and conclude with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Padres once again at home.
Arizona's remaining opponents currently hold a combined record of 338-378, or a .472 winning percentage. That's a slightly easier schedule by the numbers compared to Chicago. The Cubs will face the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates (2x), Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals (2x) over the next few weeks; a combined record of 277-287 or .491 winning percentage.
The Washington Nationals currently cling to a three-game lead (79-63) over the Cubs in the National League Wild Card race. The Los Angeles Dodgers (93-52), Atlanta Braves (90-55), and St. Louis Cardinals (81-62) all lead their respective divisions.
The last time Arizona made it to the playoffs came in 2017. That season, they beat the Colorado Rockies by a score of 11-8 at Chase Field in Phoenix during the National League Wild Card game. The Los Angeles Dodgers would go on to beat the Diamondbacks in the National League Division Series three games to none a few days later ending the club's championship run.
On the Farm
Three Arizona affiliated teams are knocking on the door of a league championship.
Double-A Jackson has advanced to the Southern League finals for the second consecutive season to face the Biloxi Shuckers (Milwaukee Brewers).
The Generals defeated the Shuckers in the championship series three games to one in 2018 highlighted by a
Leyba followed up his MVP performance with an awesome year for the Biggest Little City. Overall, he batted .300 in 112 games tallying 19 home runs, 77 RBIs, 85 runs scored, and a team-leading 37 doubles.
In 2019, the best-of-five Southern League Championship will get underway on September 10 in Biloxi and conclude on September 15 in Jackson if necessary. Neither team has announced a game one starter for Tuesday. The Generals are 7-3 this season against the Milwaukee Brewers Double-A affiliate.
D-backs' No. 5 prospect,
High-A Visalia will also get their championship series started September 10 in Lake Elsinore, CA against the Storm. The Padres Single-A affiliate holds a 6-3 season series advantage over the Rawhide this season. Neither team has announced a starter for game 1 of the California League Championship series.
The Diamondbacks' No. 1 prospect according to MLB Pipeline,
Lastly, the Hillsboro Hops, Arizona's Class-A Short Season affiliate of the Northwest League are currently locked in a championship battle with the Tri-City Dust Devils (Padres). Our friends from Oregon currently hold a 2-1 series advantage with games four and five scheduled for Sept. 10 and 11.
The D-backs first selection in the 2019 MLB draft (No.15 overall),
Power-hitter