Ketel Marte is a 2025 All-Star starter, but the D-backs fell 7-2 to the Giants after a Robbie Ray gem. Can Arizona find a spark after dropping to .500 in July?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Happy Fourth of July, D-backs fans. As we get ready for the fireworks, the team is dealing with some of its own – a mix of brilliant flashes and disappointing duds. The biggest news is a massive honor for Ketel Marte, but it comes on the heels of a tough loss that has the team sitting at a precarious .500, searching for the consistency that defines contenders.
For the first time since 2019, a Diamondback will start in the Midsummer Classic. Your 2025 National League All-Star starting second baseman: Ketel Marte.
Let's start with the best news of the week. Ketel Marte has officially been named the starting second baseman for the National League in the 2025 All-Star Game! It's a well-deserved honor for a player who has been the team's offensive engine. With 18 home runs and a knack for clutch hits, Marte has been a constant force. This isn't just a personal achievement; it's a reminder of the top-tier talent leading this ballclub.
Unfortunately, the celebration for Marte was tempered by Thursday night's 7-2 loss to the Giants. In a cruel twist of fate, former Diamondback Robbie Ray was the one who shut down the offense, throwing his first complete game since 2017. The bats went quiet, and the loss, their second straight to San Francisco, dropped the team to an even .500 on the season. It's a frustrating position to be in, especially when the offense disappears.
Just as the lineup seems to be sputtering, a beacon of hope has appeared. Star outfielder Corbin Carroll began his rehab assignment with the ACL D-backs on July 3rd. Sidelined by a chip fracture in his wrist, Carroll's dynamic presence has been sorely missed at the top of the order. His return can't come soon enough and could provide the exact jolt this offense needs to get back on track.
The front office is also actively trying to find the right mix on the mound. This week, the team designated lefty Kyle Nelson for assignment and signed veteran right-hander Jake Woodford. These moves, along with optioning Juan Morillo to Reno, show that management isn't sitting still. They're turning over every stone to find reliable arms for the bullpen, a crucial component for any team with playoff aspirations.
So where does this leave the Diamondbacks on Independence Day? At a crossroads. They have a bona fide All-Star starter in Ketel Marte, a superstar in Corbin Carroll on the verge of returning, and a front office willing to make moves. Now, they need to translate that potential into wins. The next series is crucial to stop the slide and prove they are the contenders we believe them to be, not just a .500 team.
