D-backs fall to White Sox 6-3 on June 23, 2025, as Eduardo Rodriguez struggles. Despite a Suárez HR, Arizona's NL West hopes dim. Read the full recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The road trip got off to a rocky start on the South Side of Chicago. The Diamondbacks fell to the White Sox 6-3 on Monday night, a loss that felt heavier than just a single game. With the defeat, Arizona slipped to 39-38 on the season and now faces a daunting 8.5-game deficit in the NL West, making every series from here on out feel like a must-win.
Eugenio Suárez blasted his 26th home run of the season, putting him on pace for a career-best year in the power department.
The game unraveled in the fifth inning. Starter Eduardo Rodriguez, who had been shaky, couldn't escape the frame, ultimately getting tagged for 5 runs in 4.1 innings. A two-run double by Eloy Jiménez was the back-breaker in a four-run rally for Chicago that put the game out of reach. While the D-backs' bullpen was solid in relief, allowing just one run over the final 3.2 innings, the damage was done. The offense showed some life, with Josh Naylor collecting a pair of hits and an RBI, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early hole.
The on-field struggles are compounded by ongoing roster issues. Catcher Gabriel Moreno remains on the 10-day IL with a hand contusion, and his absence is noticeable behind the plate and in managing the pitching staff. While Aramis Garcia is filling in, the team is undoubtedly eager for Moreno's return. More concerning is the news that reliever Christian Montes De Oca has been transferred to the 60-day IL with elbow inflammation. This move, which freed up the roster spot for Garcia, indicates a significant setback for Montes De Oca and puts even more pressure on an already taxed bullpen.
Amid the tough loss, there were glimmers of hope for the present and future. Eugenio Suárez continued his incredible power display, launching his team-leading 26th home run. He's been the most consistent run-producer all season. Meanwhile, down on the farm, top prospect Jordan Lawlar is making a strong case for a future call-up. He stayed hot for the Triple-A Reno Aces, crushing a 425-foot homer over the weekend. With the big-league club struggling for consistency, Lawlar's performance is a welcome sight and a reminder of the talent waiting in the wings.
One loss doesn't define a season, but this one stings, pushing the D-backs further from the division lead. The team needs to regroup quickly for the rest of the series against the White Sox. With key players still on the mend and the bullpen stretched thin, Arizona will need its offensive leaders like Suárez and Naylor to carry the load and get this team back on the winning track before the gap in the standings becomes insurmountable.
