Arizona Diamondbacks: 3 Biggest Surprises Since 2018 All-Star Break

4 of 4

PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 02: Jake Diekman #41 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers a pitch in the seventh inning of the MLB game against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field on August 2, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /

Brad Ziegler & Jake Diekman

Right before the trade deadline on July 31st, the Arizona Diamondbacks picked up two quality relievers for their bullpen — Brad Ziegler and Jake Diekman. Both guys joined the team after solid performances in the first-half of the season; Ziegler with the Marlins, Diekman with the Rangers.

Unfortunately, it’s been a disaster for both guys since coming to Phoenix.

Ziegler, a legend with the D-Backs’ organization, has appeared in three games so far (2.1 IP), none of which resulted in hitless baseball. His ERA with Arizona stands at 15.43 (ouch), complete with just one strikeout. By comparison, his six most recent outings with Miami resulted in zero hits and zero runs over five innings pitched.

As for Diekman, he’s had two outings that were clean in four tries. Those other two tries, however, have been UGLY. In two innings pitched, the lefty has a 9.00 ERA with four walks and just one strikeout.

If you’re a D-Backs’ supporter, you’ve gotta believe this won’t last forever. I mean, they were effective before coming over, so they’ve gotta have it in ’em. Right?

I’d say it’s more a case of like, jitters from being in a new town, or at least I hope it is.

Home/Arizona Diamondbacks