The D-backs lost 7-2 to the Tigers on July 31 despite Geraldo Perdomo's two RBIs, as the team also traded Josh Naylor for pitching prospects. Read more.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a day of split focus for the Arizona Diamondbacks and their fans. While General Manager Mike Hazen looked toward the future by trading first baseman Josh Naylor for a pair of promising arms, the present on the field looked bleak as the team dropped its fifth consecutive game, a 7-2 decision to the Detroit Tigers, matching their longest losing streak of the season.
Geraldo Perdomo provided the lone offensive highlights for Arizona, driving in both runs with an RBI single in the fourth and a solo home run in the ninth.
The D-backs' struggles continued at Comerica Park, where they couldn't generate much of anything against Tigers starter Chris Paddack. Ryne Nelson battled through 4.1 innings, but a costly error meant only one of the four runs he allowed was earned. The game truly unraveled when reliever Kyle Backhus surrendered three runs in just two-thirds of an inning, putting the game out of reach. Offensively, the story was all Geraldo Perdomo, who drove in both of Arizona's runs. The loss drops the team's record to a season-low 51-57.
The day's biggest news came off the field, as the D-backs sent first baseman Josh Naylor to the Seattle Mariners. In return, Arizona acquired two intriguing pitching prospects: right-hander Ashton Izzi, who immediately becomes the club's No. 11 prospect, and left-hander Brandyn Garcia, now ranked No. 16. The move clearly signals GM Mike Hazen's intent to shore up the organization's pitching depth, trading from a position of relative strength to address a long-term need. Both Izzi and Garcia are slated to report to Double-A Amarillo.
All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suárez made his return to the lineup, going 1-for-4 after missing a game with a hand contusion. While his presence was welcome, it did little to quiet the trade rumors surrounding him as the deadline approaches. For now, Suárez remains a Diamondback, but with the team clearly in a retooling mindset, his name will be one to watch closely. Manager Torey Lovullo praised the team's ability to stay focused despite the distractions.
If there's a silver lining in this rough patch, it's the continued excellence of shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. He provided all of the team's offense on Thursday, lacing an RBI single before launching his seventh home run of the season in the ninth. The homer extended his hitting streak to six games, during which he's been a consistent force. While the team is scuffling, Perdomo is proving to be a reliable and clutch performer, raising his season average to .261.
With the losing streak weighing heavily and the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Diamondbacks are at a crossroads. The Naylor trade has replenished the farm system with needed pitching, but questions remain about whether more moves are coming and how the current roster will snap out of its funk. All eyes will be on Mike Hazen to see if any other deals materialize, and on the players to find a way to end this skid and build some positive momentum for the final stretch of the season.
