Diamondbacks Struggle in Loss to Royals
The Arizona Diamondbacks faced a challenging night as they lost 5-2 to the Kansas City Royals in the series finale on September 10, 2023. This defeat resulted in the Diamondbacks slipping out of the third National League Wild Card spot, an essential position in their playoff aspirations.
Starting pitcher Zac Gallen returned from injury but had a limited outing, working through 3 1/3 innings. Gallen’s performance included four hits and two runs (one earned), highlighted by a solo home run from Carter Jensen. Gallen’s struggles stemmed in part from a lengthy 10-pitch at-bat against Nick Loftin, which inflated his pitch count to 68, preventing him from completing the fourth inning.
Michael Soroka took over as a relief pitcher in the fifth inning for his first appearance of the season. Soroka began positively by striking out Kyle Isbel, but the momentum shifted when he allowed a single to Isaac Collins and a walk to Jensen. Bobby Witt Jr. then broke a 2-2 tie with a decisive three-run homer, which sealed the fate of the game for the Diamondbacks.
Despite Gallen’s return, concerns linger over the effectiveness of his key pitches, particularly his four-seam fastball, which has not seen consistent performance since early 2024. His average velocity was recorded at 91.2 mph, significantly lower than his typical 93.4 mph.
Injury Update on Corbin Carroll
In additional team news, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo announced that Corbin Carroll would undergo an MRI following back spasms that led to him being scratched from the lineup. Carroll experienced the issue last week during a home series against the Philadelphia Phillies and had been a notable presence in the lineup with 44 starts prior to the recent incident.
Carroll’s performance this season has been inconsistent, illustrating ups and downs that have affected his overall contribution to the team. His health and ability to play effectively will be pivotal as the Diamondbacks navigate the remaining games of the season.
Why It Matters
The Diamondbacks’ loss to the Royals intensifies the pressure as they seek to reestablish themselves in playoff contention. With Gallen and Soroka returning amid performance concerns, and Carroll’s possible absence due to injury, the team will need to swiftly adapt to maintain their competitive edge in a critical phase of the season.
