Diamondbacks’ Struggles Deepen with Eduardo Rodriguez Routed by Royals on Independence Day
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ postseason hopes took another hit on Friday, July 4, as they suffered a demoralizing 9-3 defeat at the hands of the Kansas City Royals. Left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, who had been a bright spot in June, was shelled early and often, surrendering three home runs and eight earned runs in just 4 1/3 innings at Chase Field.
Now 43-45 on the season and two games under .500, Arizona has dropped three straight and continues to stumble at a crucial point in the NL Wild Card race.
Eduardo Rodriguez Routed in Brutal Start
Rodriguez entered the game riding a hot streak, having posted a 1.98 ERA over his previous five starts in June. That momentum came to a screeching halt against the Royals. Kansas City’s Vinnie Pasquantino did the most damage, launching two home runs and driving in six runs. Rodriguez allowed three runs in each of the first two innings, including a towering three-run shot by Pasquantino in the first.
By the time Rodriguez exited in the fifth, the Royals led 9-2 and had effectively put the game out of reach.
Missed Opportunities Mount for Arizona
The loss to the under-.500 Royals is the latest example of the Diamondbacks’ inability to capitalize on seemingly favorable matchups. Just last week, Arizona failed to finish off the struggling Rockies and White Sox, and earlier this week, they dropped a winnable series against the Giants.
While the Diamondbacks remain only 4.5 games out of a wild-card spot, their inconsistency puts them behind more surging competitors like the Cardinals, Padres, and Brewers—teams that have managed to string together hot streaks Arizona has not.
Their best run came last month, going 14-7 over 21 games. Since then, they’ve gone 2-7.
Corbin Carroll’s Return Could Spark Turnaround
One potential spark could come in the form of All-Star right fielder Corbin Carroll, who appears close to returning from a wrist injury. Diagnosed with a chip fracture in his left wrist after being hit by a pitch on June 18, Carroll has been progressing quickly.
Manager Torey Lovullo said Carroll could return as soon as this weekend, depending on pain tolerance. The outfielder participated in a live batting session on July 4 and reported feeling “almost nothing” in terms of pain.
His imminent return could offer much-needed energy to a lineup that has lacked consistency.
What’s Next for the D-Backs?
Arizona will try to regroup in the remaining games of the home series:
- July 5: Ryne Nelson (4-2, 3.61 ERA) vs. Michael Wacha (4-8, 3.62 ERA)
- July 6: Zac Gallen (6-9, 5.45 ERA) vs. Michael Lorenzen (4-8, 4.95 ERA)
- July 7: Merrill Kelly (7-4, 3.55 ERA) vs. Nick Pivetta (9-2, 3.25 ERA) in San Diego
With the National League Wild Card race still wide open, the Diamondbacks must find a way to reverse course—and fast. Continued missteps against struggling teams will only dim their postseason chances further.
