The Arizona Diamondbacks may have reached their lowest point of the season in a three-game series against the Washington Nationals that felt more like a full-on meltdown than just a string of losses. In this raw and emotionally charged episode of Dbacks Dispatch, Gabriel and Brandon break down a series full of sloppy defense, baffling roster decisions, and what could be a devastating injury to ace Corbin Burnes. The tone? Mourning, not just the series loss, but the state of a season slipping away.

Game 1: Death by Errors

Arizona dropped the opener 9–7 in a game where the offense actually showed up, putting up seven runs, but the defense completely unraveled. Ketel Marte’s misplay in the first inning opened the floodgates, and from there it was a parade of mental and physical blunders. The team committed three official errors, but the hosts argued there were closer to six run-altering mistakes, including:

A comically slow-motion collision between Josh Naylor and Ryan Thompson that allowed a run to score.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s botched fly ball that turned into extra bases.
Marte’s lapse in focus on a potential inning-ending play.

The frustration boiled over as the hosts asked a brutal question: Just who this team is now?

“Good baseball teams don’t make these mistakes. This is not a good baseball team right now.”

Game 2: Brandon Pfaadt Implodes in Historic Fashion

The second game was historic, for all the wrong reasons. Brandon Pfaadt didn’t record a single out, giving up eight earned runs on six hits and two hit batters. It was the worst outing by a D-back starter in franchise history. The Nationals scored 10 runs in the first inning, and the game was over before fans had found their seats.

The tone from the hosts turned grim.

“This was literally the worst baseball I’ve seen this team play in a really long time.”

Despite the disaster, the hosts praised Pfaadt for staying in the dugout and owning his performance postgame. They also pointed out how Nationals hitters seemed to know exactly what was coming, suggesting great scouting and game planning rather than tipping.

Game 3: D-backs Win, But at What Cost?

Arizona avoided the sweep with a 3-1 win behind another strong start from Corbin Burnes… until disaster struck. In the fifth inning, Burnes threw a pitch, gave up a single, and immediately motioned to the dugout. As he walked off, he appeared to mouth the words “my elbow.”

Though initial postgame reports were optimistic, the team awaits MRI results to assess the severity. Burnes had been dominant once again, and his loss, short or long-term, will be catastrophic.

“The team finally wins… and it might cost them their ace. That’s the season in a nutshell.”

Rookie Christian Mena and relievers Shelby Miller and Justin Martinez stepped up to finish the shutout. Mena in particular earned praise for saving the bullpen and showing promise in a long-relief role, although we would prefer to prepare him as a starter some time in the future.

Big Picture Problems

Mental Mistakes & Defensive Collapse

Repeated defensive lapses, many avoidable, have cost the D-backs multiple games over the past two weeks. Brandon and Gabe highlighted communication breakdowns, poor outfield play, and a general lack of urgency or accountability.

“It’s not spring training. We’re 60 games in. There’s no excuse for this kind of sloppy baseball.”
Misuse of Ryne Nelson

Despite being arguably their most consistent starter, Ryne Nelson was demoted to the bullpen to make room for returning veterans. The hosts were furious, calling it a classic example of poor player development and roster politics. With the injury of Burnes, we’ll probably see this issue reverted.

The Infamous “Torey Party”

Between Games 2 and 3, news broke of Torey Lovullo throwing a party to lift team morale, sparking debate. Critics called it a “participation trophy” move for a team that had just been swept, while others defended it as a necessary mental reset.

The fact that Lourdes Gurriel Jr. looked lethargic just days after the event only added fuel to the fire.

Pitching Coach Brian Kaplan Under Fire

The D-backs’ ERA ranks 25th in MLB, and regression from Zac Gallen and the bullpen has many questioning whether new pitching coach Brian Kaplan is the right man for the job. While some point to a lack of bullpen talent, others suggest Kaplan hasn’t improved the arms he was given.

Still, Gabe and Brandon said Kaplan is likely to be a scapegoat, but not necessarily the core problem.

Roster Moves Looming

If Burnes lands on the IL, the D-backs will likely rely on Nelson and Mena for starts. But questions remain:

Will Nelson finally get a consistent role?
Is Mena ready for a rotation spot?
Should the team DFA struggling veterans and promote AAA arms?

Brandon and Gabe both plead for roster clarity and accountability, arguing that continued indecision is wearing down both fans and players.

Final Thoughts: Rock Bottom?

After losing three straight series and watching their ace potentially go down, this might be rock bottom for the D-backs. And yet, Dbacks Dispatch argues, this team is too talented to quit on, if they can stop beating themselves.

“If they just play Diamondbacks baseball, they can still turn this around. But the margin for error is gone.”