The D-backs host the Mariners on June 9, 2025, aiming to snap a 3-game skid. Can Merrill Kelly outduel Emerson Hancock and get Arizona back on track?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Monday marks a much-needed day of rest and reflection for the Arizona Diamondbacks, but there's no time to dwell on the past. After a frustrating weekend that saw them swept by the Cincinnati Reds, the D-backs (31-34) are back home, looking to wash away the bitter taste of a three-game losing streak as they prepare to open a series against the Seattle Mariners.
The Diamondbacks enter play having lost three straight, sitting at 31-34 overall and looking to improve a middling 16-17 record at home.
The series opener against Seattle feels like more than just another game; it's a statement opportunity. The D-backs desperately need a stopper, and they're handing the ball to the right man. Merrill Kelly, boasting a solid 6-2 record and a 3.43 ERA, will take the hill against Seattle's Emerson Hancock (2-2, 5.19 ERA). On paper, it's an advantage for Arizona. After a tough 4-6 stretch in their last 10 games, the team needs to capitalize on this pitching matchup and defend its home turf, something that's been a challenge this season.
Despite the recent skid, the front office is holding steady. Monday brought no roster moves, trades, or injury updates, signaling a vote of confidence in the current group to figure it out. While fans might be clamoring for a shakeup, the lack of activity puts the onus squarely on the players in the clubhouse to turn their performance around. The pieces are in place; now it's a matter of execution.
While the big-league club searches for consistency, a beacon of hope continues to shine in Triple-A. Top prospect Jordan Lawlar is tearing it up for the Reno Aces, recently adding another homer and a triple to his impressive season stats. His continued development is a massive silver lining, reminding fans that the future is bright and that reinforcements are on the way. While no promotion is imminent, his hot streak is exactly what you want to see from your top young talent.
Tonight is a new beginning. The sweep is over, and a new series begins. This three-game set against the Mariners is a crucial test for the Diamondbacks. Can they rally behind their ace, protect their home field, and get back in the win column? The answers will start to unfold tonight at Chase Field, and it's a series that could set the tone for the rest of the month.
