The southpaw starter coughed up three home runs to the San Francisco Giants on Monday, while also striking out eight batters in a 6-3 loss. He only survived 4.2 innings and walked three on 103 pitches.

Through nine starts, Rodriguez has earned a 5.56 ERA and crossed the sixth-inning threshold in just one of those appearances, an 11-strikeout outing against the Colorado Rockies on Sept. 18.

With the Atlanta Braves shutting out the Kansas City Royals 3-0 and a New York Mets loss, Arizona is locked in a three-way tie for the final two Wild Card positions. The D-backs lose both tiebreakers with the two other playoff hopefuls, however.

Ryne Nelson will be available for bullpen work after being activated off the 15-day injured list on Thursday. As a large portion of the D-backs’ relievers made appearances in a 5-3 loss Friday, with Ryan Thompson, A.J. Puk and Kevin Ginkel each working an inning, Nelson could provide much needed length for a must-win game.

The Padres named right-hander Randy Vasquez (4-7, 5.18 ERA) as their Game 2 starter.

How to follow Game 2 of D-backs-Padres

Catch all of Saturday’s action from Chase Field on the Arizona Sports app, 98.7 and ArizonaSports.com. First pitch is slated for 5:10 p.m.

Kelly was warming up between the fifth and sixth innings when catcher Jose Herrera noticed the right-handed starter was showing signs of discomfort.

Trainers came out to Kelly and removed him from the contest. Kelly had previously experienced leg cramping twice this season.

Kelly escaped an early jam by shuffling a ball over to third baseman Eugenio Suarez for a force out on Brewers third baseman Joey Ortiz and producing a bang-bang double play.

With a 2-0 lead in the third inning, Kelly served up two singles to right fielder Sal Frelick and Ortiz to lead things off. Brewers catcher Eric Haase laid a bunt down the third-base line and Kelly made a heads up play to snag the ball and neutralize lead runner Ortiz.

The threat of a crooked number remained as second baseman Brice Turang approached the plate. Turang smacked one to the glove of D-backs short stop Geraldo Perdomo, who got the force out at second but had to complete a quick throw to first in order to turn two.

Perdomo’s laser-like effort to first baseman Christian Walker was on the money but officials initially ruled Turang safe. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo made a risky challenge only a few innings into the contest, but the call was overturned and the challenge was retained.

Merrill Kelly wins the battle after 𝟏𝟓 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬! 😅

Here’s every pitch thrown in that AB. pic.twitter.com/KC7XMBvkSf

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 21, 2024

Kelly held the Brewers to two hits and no runs through the opening five frames. The right-hander struck out four consecutive Milwaukee batters to end his day, including a clean sweep of the fifth inning.

Left-handed reliever Joe Mantiply took the mound to begin the sixth after securing the final three outs in a 9-4 win over the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday. Mantiply retired his first six batters, featuring four punch-outs.

Joe Mantiply, K'ing the Side in the 7th. pic.twitter.com/K5wdYsD9Tv

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 22, 2024

Kevin Ginkel was slotted in for the eighth and used one strikeout to put the Brewers’ 5-6-7 hitters down in order. He reclaimed some form in back-to-back appearances this series, only giving up two hits and striking out three in 2.0 innings.

A.J. Puk closed the door on Milwaukee with two swinging strikeouts and a groundout. From Kelly to Puk, the D-backs’ pitching staff did not allow a baserunner past the third inning.

Designated hitter Joc Pederson got the D-backs on the board with a two-run home run off of right-hander Aaron Civale that slammed high on the right-center wall at American Family Field. Herrera followed up Pederson’s 23rd with his first major league home run in the fifth to increase the Arizona lead to 3-0.

FIRST CAREER HOME RUN FOR JOSE HERRERA!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/CKbIwNlWcM

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) September 22, 2024

Second baseman Ketel Marte put the win on ice with a two-run shot to right center that scored Corbin Carroll (0-for-2, three walks), who moved back to right field with Jake McCarthy back in the lineup. Marte went 2-for-2 at the plate and walked three times one game after the 2024 MLB All-Star set a career-high for home runs in a single season.

The 6-foot-5 junior standout lit up the Lobos defense for 304 yards and four touchdowns on just 10 receptions. His yardage feat in the Wildcats’ 61-39 victory resulted in a school single-game record. He broke Jeremy McDaniel’s 1996 mark of 283 receiving yards.

McMillan was only 10 yards short of matching a conference record in the program’s first game since leaving the Pac-12, as Baylor’s Terrance Williams (314 yards) retains that distinction set in 2012.

His four trips to the end zone also tied a single-game record set by Jacob Cowing (10 receptions, 88 yards) last season in a bonkers 43-41 triple overtime loss to now-Big Ten University of Southern California.

#Big12FB Offensive Player of the Week: Week 1⃣
Tetairoa McMillan | @ArizonaFBall pic.twitter.com/Xujq0bZH1d

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) September 2, 2024

The projected 2025 NFL Draft first-rounder averaged 30.4 yards per catch, highlighted by three touchdown grabs of 40+ yards.

The product of Servite High School is now sixth in program ranks for most career receiving touchdowns (22).

In the ramp up to Week 1, McMillan was placed on the Associated Press preseason All-America First Team and seven other watch lists including for the Biletnikoff Award and Maxwell Award.

The Arizona Diamondbacks star outfielder capitalized on Kershaw’s second offering, and the three-time Cy Young winner was pulled by manager Dave Roberts before Carroll even touched home plate. Carroll crushed his 18th long ball of the season and 10th this month. Prior to the All-Star break, Carroll had only five homers to his name.

Corbin Carroll homers and Clayton Kershaw immediately exits the game with trainers after only 27 pitches pic.twitter.com/mxBs9qOUGl

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 31, 2024

He flashed some of his defensiveness prowess soon after with a run-down snag of second baseman Gavin Lux.

Kershaw made just his sixth start of the year after returning to the rotation following offseason shoulder surgery. He gave up three runs, three hits and walked one Arizona batter in one inning pitched.

On the D-backs’ end of things, Zac Gallen struggled mightily through his first two innings, surrendering six hits and five earned runs. The club’s ace put up two zeros in the third and fourth, however, led by three strikeouts.

The Diamondbacks and Dodgers were tied 5-5 after four innings.

Tune to 98.7 or tap into the Arizona Sports app to follow the rest of Game 1 between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers.

Eugenio Suarez cleared the famous Green Monster in left field for a three-run blast in the sixth inning, finishing the game 4-for-4 at the plate. He singled the first two times up at the plate and scored two runs in the D-backs latest comeback win.

The third baseman was practically unstoppable over three games in Boston, amassing eight hits (8-for-13), five runs, two home runs and 10 RBIs. His early-season batting woes are seemingly a thing of the past, as Suarez is up to a .241 average and leads the league in RBIs (47) since July 1.

Since 2021, Suarez is one of four primary third baseman to have 20+ homers in four consecutive seasons (Rafael Devers, Manny Machado and Jose Ramirez the others), according to the team.

GENO DOES IT AGAIN!!! pic.twitter.com/OP9e2htjFa

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 25, 2024

Arizona swept its last two series (3-0 against at the Miami Marlins on Aug. 19-21) and closed the road trip 6-3. Manager Torey Lovullo’s ball club is 30-9 since July 10 and remains one of the hottest teams in MLB.

The D-backs (75-56) remain in striking distance of the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers (78-53) and at the top of the NL Wild Card race. Arizona holds a 1.5 game lead over the San Diego Padres after Jackson Merrill walked it off for a 3-2 win over the New York Mets on Sunday.

ESPN gives Arizona a 96.2% chance of making the playoffs after their sixth straight win.

The sweep-sealing victory matched the team’s longest win streak of the season, which lasted from Aug. 9-14.

Six in a row. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/FjCjvkxImQ

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 25, 2024

Carroll’s confidence rolls on in Boston

Corbin Carroll led the game off with a single to have at least one hit in 17 of 22 games this August. He closed the Boston series with three hits, two RBIs and one run scored. The staple in Arizona’s outfield has scored 93 runs this season to only trail Shohei Ohtani (99) of the NL West rival Dodgers.

He had four multi-hit outings over that stretch and his rookie power-hitting has shown real signs of life with six homers and 10 total extra-base hits.

The outfielder wrapped up his time in Boston with three hits, two RBIs and one run scored.

Through 128 games, Carroll sits at a .223 batting average and .710 OPS, according to MLB Advanced Media.

The D-backs answer back after slow start

Despite hitting into three double plays through four innings, the D-backs offense recuperated by paying off five base runners in the fifth and sixth. Three of the four walked batters by Red Sox starting pitcher Tanner Houck (6.0 IP, seven hits, two strikeouts) found their way home.

Six Diamondback hitters got in on the action, with left fielder Pavin Smith (2-for-3) accompanying Suarez with a mulit-hit contest. The left-handed Smith has split time between Triple-A Reno and the Arizona but has been serviceable with 19 hits in 36 games, featuring some pop with three homers to his name.

Geraldo Perdomo gave Arizona an additional insurance run in the ninth, smashing his third home run of the season just over the right field wall.

DOINK. pic.twitter.com/mnqWgRYcPI

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 25, 2024

It was rough, but Kelly toughed it out

Merrill Kelly made it through six innings in his third start since returning from the 90-day injured list, giving up two long balls including a three-run bomb off the bat of Devers in the fourth frame. He struck out five and allowed four walks on 101 pitches.

Free passes are creeping up with more regularity, Kelly having issued eight in his previous 16 innings.

Kelly settled into the game in the fifth, escaping two walks with a double-play ball and retiring the side in the sixth.

Thanks to some run help, Kelly moved to 4-0 as he continued to progress under the watchful eyes of pitching coach Brent Strom.

The bullpen is fully operational

The Arizona bullpen did its job to maintain a comfortable cushion. Three relievers combined to face only one batter above minimum over three innings and allow one run on two hits.

Joe Mantiply threw nine of 10 pitches for strikes and got out of the seventh with a 4-6-3 double play. A.J. Puk then torched the heart of Boston’s lineup with three punch outs.

A.J. Yuck. 😤 pic.twitter.com/ANDONGXwI9

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 25, 2024

Justin Martinez got off to a shaky start after getting the ball in the ninth, ceding a solo home run to Boston’s Tyler O’Neill on his second pitch. His remaining 11 offerings produced solid contact, but Martinez secured the victory with a strikeout.

He collected his seventh save of the year and his third in as many attempts. The hard-to-hit Martinez reached 73 strikeouts in just 59.0 innings pitched.

The one-inning efficiency of the three players was replicated in all three games in Boston. The Red Sox only managed two runs and four hits against the D-backs bullpen over the weekend.

D-backs return home

Arizona heads back to the Valley for a seven-game home stand at Chase Field. It begins Tuesday with a three-game slate against fellow NL Wild Card hopeful Mets (68-63).

The Dodgers then visit for a four-game series that takes the calendar into September.

Game 1 of Diamondbacks-Mets is scheduled for a 6:40 p.m. first pitch. Brandon Pfaadt (8-6) and Sean Manaea (9-5) are probable starting pitchers for the opener.

A win on Tuesday night would give Arizona its longest win streak of the 2024 season at seven.

Follow the action by tuning to 98.7 FM, tapping the Arizona Sports app or watching the coverage on MLB Network.

What was a long-lasting weakness early this season has been transformed into a strength, as Carroll has recorded at least one hit in 17 of 22 games this August. Four of such were two-hit performances and the power from his 2023 NL Rookie of the Year campaign has also returned with six homers and 10 total extra-base knocks.

He has scored 24 runs this month alone to reach 93 on the season, and only trails Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (99) in the National League ranks.

Through 10 at-bats in Fenway Park, Carroll has three hits with two RBIs and one run scored. He led off all three games in the Boston series.

Starter Merrill Kelly made his third start since returning from the 90-day injured list and gave up two long balls in just four innings to see Arizona trailing 4-0. He surrendered seven hits and issued one walk on 65 pitches before coming back out for the fifth.

The D-backs registered three hits but gifted the Red Sox defense three double plays in their effort for a second straight series sweep.

Arizona’s fortune changed in the fifth frame as a walk granted to second baseman Luis Guillorme saw the first three batters load the bases with no outs. Carroll followed up a Geraldo Perdomo RBI ground out with a sacrifice fly to left field. Jake McCarthy, arguably the D-backs’ mid-season MVP, singled to complete a three-run inning.

Catch the rest of Diamondbacks-Red Sox by tuning to 98.7 FM or tapping into the Arizona Sports app.

Merrill Kelly made his long-awaited return to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting pitching rotation on Sunday, overcoming some early butterflies after a nearly four-month hiatus.

He was able to get through five innings against the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies while only conceding two earned runs on 85 pitches.

“Once that third (inning) rolled around, it was business as usual. I’m back, and we can do this” Kelly told Arizona Sports’ Burns & Gambo Monday.

After a walk to the power-hitting Kyle Schwarber, Kelly said he was a bit worried manager Torey Lovullo would pull him off the mound but understood his return start was limited from the get-go. However, Kelly lived long enough to face Trea Turner and put a close on the fifth stanza.

At the time of Kelly’s exit, Arizona held a 5-2 lead and it eventually ballooned to a 12-5 margin by game’s end. Kelly’s record improved to 3-0 in just his fifth start this season, coming off of 30 starts in arguably a career-best 2023 campaign (3.29 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 187 Ks).

“The emotional part of the rehab was probably the hardest part, and that being my first time going through it with a soft tissue injury,” Kelly said. “You kinda go through a bit of a rollercoaster … You know, sitting on the couch and watching the guys kinda teeter where they were, obviously you want to get back and help.

“Worst case scenario, I get to be home for a little bit and spend some more time with my wife and my daughter. Life could be a lot worse.”

Kelly said he was really able to see the depth of their clubhouse, especially with how the starting rotation has been thrown curveball after curveball with an injury carousal.

Ryne Nelson was definitely one of those who had to step up, the third-year player having made 20 starts through Friday’s Game 2 against the Phillies. He threw 144.0 innings all last season and is already up to 117.2 in 2024, striking out a career-high nine batters twice.

The now-healthy Kelly also said he was able to see the D-backs’ true DNA, as their offense and defense were able to balance each other to result in 12 straight series without a loss.

“I definitely wanted to make sure I was 100% ready to go,” Kelly said. “I didn’t want to rush back and risk having a setback … both for my own well-being and trying to help this team down the stretch.”

As far as comparing now to last year’s magical October run, Kelly said the team has not wavered and knows it is better as a whole unit.

The bringing up of rookie catcher Adrian Del Castillo certainly has benefitted Arizona’s winning ways, and Kelly had nothing but positives to throw at the first man to catch him in his return.

“So far so good, (Del Castillo) started tearing the cover off the ball and he’s on cloud nine right now. We’re just trying to help him ride this wave, and let him enjoy it as much as he can,” Kelly said.

Kelly is a likely starter in the Diamondbacks’ three-game road series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Aug. 16-18.

Johnson was the franchise’s first selection in the 2023 NFL Draft at No. 6 overall. The 6-foot-6 Ohio State product started all 17 regular-season games at right tackle, ending with 1,130 snaps which ranked eighth among tackles.

Johnson allowed 42 quarterback pressures and eight sacks. Penalties plagued the then-rookie, his 12 in tie for third with NFL tackles in 2023.

Diamond, former Minnesota Vikings general manager, did not gloss over the penalty issues but said Johnson will need to step up most because of the switch to left tackle for 2024. As this is the blindside for every quarterback, Johnson will be put under an even tighter lens as he will be the primary protection for a resurgent Kyler Murray in the back field.

It will help Johnson and the entire Arizona Cardinals offense to have Kyler Murray back after his ACL injury, which cost him most of last season (with Marvin Harrison Jr. a new weapon at WR).

Johnson is moving from right tackle to left tackle this season, so the pressure is on him to improve his overall play as he protects Murray’s blindside.

When did Johnson make the transition and how is it going?

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon first announced the position flip in late May. Johnson will be replacing former Cardinal D.J. Humphries, a nine-year mainstay whom the team released in March to free up $15.9 million in cap space.

Johnson told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke that the transition will be a mixed bag because he has not yet taken a high level of professional reps at left tackle.

“I think it is just about getting back in that routine because the techniques and the fundamentals we learn here in our offensive line room, it works left or right. It doesn’t change at all,” Johnson said in the show interview.

Left tackle is not foreign to Johnson, who started all 13 games at that position for the Buckeyes in 2022. With a Second-Team All-Big Ten nod at right guard in 2021, Johnson’s proficiency did not drop on the left end, earning unanimous All-America distinction by the Walter Camp Foundation, Football Writers Association of America and American Football Coaches Association.

Johnson has taken the most advice from fellow tackle Kelvin Beachum. In a July 16 press conference, he said Beachum was preaching to work smarter, not harder and that his mindset should not change.

Fresh out of last year’s draft, Johnson said he did not know if he was going to be used on the right or left side of the Cardinals offensive line. This time around, the entire offseason was spent fine-tuning a specific set of skills.

“I think just the difference between Year 1 and Year 2 was just the extended amount of time I had just to lock in on a position I was going to be playing,” Johnson said a week prior to reporting to training camp.

In the face of expectation, Johnson not only exuded confidence but made it a goal to be a team captain after the position change was made official.

“Literally my whole life I wanted to be an NFL team captain, like specifically NFL,” Johnson said in a May 29 press conference. “If it happens that’d be great, but if not … I want to assume a role as a captain from the respect of the guys on the team.”

With the 2024-25 NFL season just a few short weeks away, Action Network compiled data from Team Marketing Report’s 2023 NFL Fan Cost Index and ranked all 32 stadiums’ cost effectiveness.

Overall value was determined by adding the cost of four general admission tickets, two soft drinks, two beers, four hot dogs and parking. The final category, however non-price related, was child admission policy for which Action Network listed each stadium’s policy such as State Farm Stadium’s “under 2 in for free.”

The Cardinal’s home cashed in a grand total of $452.46, nearly a full $22 lower than the second-cheapest Paycor Stadium ($474.42), which hosts the Cincinnati Bengals.

Here’s a breakdown of each category:

• Four tickets: $394.16
• Two soft drinks: $11.00
• Two beers: $14.00
• Four hot dogs: $20.00
• Parking: $13.30

State Farm was the only NFL arena with average ticket prices under $100 and its food, drink and parking costs all finished in the cheapest third of league.

After Paycor Stadium were the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium ($480.80), the Atlanta Falcons’ Mercedes-Benz Stadium ($487.22) and the Buffalo Bills’ Highmark Stadium ($493.06) to round out the top five best for families.

On the other end of the spectrum, the San Francisco 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium had the most expensive value at $750.65 as one of two arenas (Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium being the other) whose general ticket price averaged north of $150.

Arrowhead Stadium, home to last year’s Super Bowl LVIII champion Kansas City Chiefs, was the seventh-most expensive family experience at a $613.98 total value.

He was among the first five out of the list of NFL players, coming in at No. 27. NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison (No. 29) and 2018 Hall of Fame inductee Terrell Owens (No. 30) were other wideouts who just missed the cutoff.

Only two wide receivers in the top 25, Randy Moss (No. 5) and Calvin “Megatron” Johnson (No. 6), were deemed valuable enough to make an appearance.

This final tally was a surprise for ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, who noted the glaring absence of these pass catchers who “set the stage for the big money wideouts make today.”

Of the 25 selections, 15 were offensive players compared to 10 defensive. Quarterbacks stole the show with six, the highest among all positions represented. More than 70,000 votes from ESPN contributors helped create the final list.

How does Fitzgerald stack up to the two receivers who made ESPN’s top 25 NFL players list?

In light of the order of ranking, let’s start with Randy Moss.

Moss closed his 14-year career with 15,292 receiving yards and 982 catches. Fitzgerald, who competed in 17 seasons, ended his playing days with 17,432 yards and 1432 receptions, both second to San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice.

Despite the three-season difference, Fitzgerald averaged 84.2 receptions per year compared to Moss’ 70.1.

While Moss does hang 156 touchdowns over Fitzgerald’s 121, the career-long Cardinal boasts a 61.3% catch percentage — almost five full points greater than Moss (56.4%).

Fitzgerald separated himself when it came to the postseason. He made six fewer playoff appearances (nine) than Moss but bested the 2018 Hall of Famer with three more receptions (57) and only 35 fewer reception yards (942).

Both hauled in 10 touchdowns, but Fitzgerald demonstrated his surehandedness with a 67.1% catch rate compared to Moss’ 48.2%.

Neither won a Super Bowl title. Fitzgerald nearly doubled Moss’ six Pro Bowl selections with 11 to his name. Moss did, however, earn three NFL First-Team All-Pro selections since the turn of the century (2000, 2003, 2007) whereas Fitzgerald had one nod in 2008.

With Moss, arguments can certainly be made. With Johnson, ESPN’s panel overlooked the obvious.

Johnson only played nine seasons, so the career numbers are difficult to compare. If only Fitzgerald’s first nine seasons are taken into consideration, he nearly matched Johnson’s seven 1,000-yard seasons with six and outpaced the Detroit Lions’ all-timer in total receptions with 764 compared to 731.

Johnson’s claim to fame was his single-season record of 1,964 receiving yards in 2012 to surpass Rice’s mark of 1,848, which had stood for 26 seasons.

For what Johnson had in volume (11,619 reception yards, 83 touchdowns) and physique (6-foot-5, 237 pounds), Fitzgerald made up in time-tested reliability. The 6-foot-3 Cardinal only recorded 29 drops and 13 fumbles in eight additional years on the turf, compared to Johnson’s 34 drops in just his first five NFL seasons and 14 career fumbles.

The playoff numbers between Fitzgerald and Johnson are stark.

Johnson saw two games (2011, 2014) that added to the Lions’ postseason win drought. Megatron notched 12 receptions and two touchdowns in his playoff debut but was quiet in his only other opportunity.

Fitzgerald, on the other hand, maximized his first postseason experience by becoming the first NFL player since 1950 to have at least 100 receiving yards in four consecutive games. The 2008 Cardinals would of course fall to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII despite Fitzgerald’s heroics.

The former USC star (1982-86) and 1984 Olympic gold medalist will coach alongside former Mercury player Adrian Williams (2000-04), according to an X post by the WNBA.

The star-studded showcase will be Cheryl versus Cheryl, as Cheryl Reeve will line up on the other end of court as head coach of the USA Women’s National Team.

Tip off from Footprint Center is set for Saturday at 5:30 p.m. MST on ABC.

A women’s basketball trail blazer

Miller led the Mercury to the 1998 WNBA Finals and a 70-52 overall record in four seasons at the helm. Her teams qualified for the WNBA playoffs in three of her four seasons of leadership.

In 1999, Miller was inducted in the inaugural class of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and joined four others as Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor inductees on May 18, the day of the team’s 2024 season home opener.

While in the collegiate ranks, Miller was a three-time Naismith Player of the Year (1984-86) and was a member of two NCAA National Championship teams with the USC Trojans (1983, 84).

Miller’s international success, reflected by five gold medals across five different competitions, earned her entrance into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2010.

Miller, 60, spent 17 years as a NBA sideline reporter for TNT (1996-2013) and went on to coach Langston University (2014-15) and Cal State Los Angeles (2016-19) in the following years.

She is the sister of NBA Hall of Famer and current TNT analyst Reggie Miller.

Before the MLB All-Star break, Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen told Arizona Sports his intentions were to act as a buyer at the trade deadline.

“We need to be within distance,” Hazen told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke on July 3. “My intention here is to buy. I want to buy, I want to push further in.

“I know I’ve already pushed pretty aggressively in on this team … But we need to play a little bit better, a little more consistently than we have been playing. I think the next three, four weeks is going to tell us quite a bit.”

Considering the D-backs went 8-4 following that spoken sentiment, including winning three of the final four series before the break, his feelings should largely remain unchanged.

However, there are other opinions out there that express the opposite.

The Athletic’s Chad Jennings pinned the D-backs in his fourth tier labeled “Trending to the sell side.”

Jennings cited the injury-plagued pitching rotation as the primary reason the franchise could turn into sellers post-All-Star break. He also said first baseman Christian Walker’s free agency following the 2024 season could influence their buy-sell identity.

Why would the D-backs turn into sellers?

The pitching depth is a concern, with starters Merrill Kelly (teres major) and Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) not likely to return to the diamond until August. The left-handed Jordan Montgomery (knee), who was added the injured list on June 29, is expected to come back for the Kansas City or Pittsburgh series at the end of the month.

Even Zac Gallen has struggled in his recent outings, conceding nine hits and seven runs to the Toronto Blue Jays in the series finale July 14. The D-backs have only won two of Gallen’s last seven starts. It certainly spells trouble if it continues.

The bat of 2023 NL Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll is still waiting to break out. He is showing signs of renewal, with two long balls in a dominant 12-1 win over Toronto on July 13. But his overall explosiveness is still a luxury of the past that Arizona needs to better secure a Wild Card spot and try to close the gap on the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. remains streaky at the plate. Joc Pederson has cooled off since a hot start in April and May. Alek Thomas has not seen the ball well since his return from a 90-day hamstring setback on July 2.

Why would the D-backs file into the buyer’s market?

Despite shortcomings at the season’s halfway point, the Diamondbacks’ offense took on the load and ran with it. It has outscored opponents 83-52 over the previous 12 games, highlighted by four wins by at least five runs.

Arizona led the MLB in runs scored (88) and had the second-best team OPS (.841) in July.

Not only have the Diamondbacks won or tied 11 of their last 13 series, but a recent 4-3 stretch against San Diego and Toronto has them squarely in the NL Wild Card race.

Key players from the D-backs’ 2023 World Series run such as Gabriel Moreno and Geraldo Perdomo have begun to find their rhythm after each missing time due to injury.

Moreno batted .308 and had a .413 OBP in July, both significant increases over one month of play (.231 BA, .288 OBP in June).

Perdomo has exhibited great value in the bottom half of the lineup, with six multi-hit games and his usual sure-handedness at shortstop. According to Baseball Reference, Perdomo has a .993 FLD% and has only committed one error on 143 chances.

Eugenio Suarez has been a nice surprise. The 11th-year veteran, acquired last November for his power, had only recorded six home runs heading into July but unleashed four bombs in his past eight appearances. His defensive ability at third base had not been questioned but was glanced over because of his prolonged offensive woes.

Young arms including Brandon Pfaadt and top prospect Yilber Diaz have given the pitching staff reasons to believe the starting rotation can be redeemed.

Kelly, Rodriguez and Montgomery all returning from injury in the next month would finally give the Arizona defense firm ground to stand on.

What awaits the D-backs out of the All-Star break?

Arizona, one game back of the final NL Wild Card spot at 49-48, will face the Chicago Cubs on the road in a three-game series beginning Friday.

A home and away series against NL All-Star starter Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates then approaches in two of the next four series. The Pirates (48-48) trail the D-backs by half a game and are only 1.5 games back of the New York Mets, who possess the final NL Wild Card seed.

Newly signed Suns rookie Ryan Dunn fully understands that Phoenix is hot but is ready to put his game through the purifying fire.

“I went from traveling from city to city to finding a home to be at now,” Dunn told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta on Wednesday. “Meeting new people, meeting fans, meeting the coaching staff has been great. Now I get to do what I love to do, and I’m going to work now.”

From being a young kid who would don a suit while watching the draft to hearing his name called one week ago, Dunn, 21, fulfilled a life-long dream. It was an annual tradition he shared with his mom and now, instead of acting it out the moment with each passing pick, he embraced her as the dream became reality.

The 28th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was introduced to Planet Orange on Tuesday and made it official by signing his first league contract Wednesday.

The shooting question mark remains a talking point

Dunn’s shooting capability will remain a topic of discussion into his rookie campaign.

He shot 12-of-51 (23.5%) from three in two seasons at Virginia but had more reps in high school.

He said that he understands why his perimeter shooting ability has been under scrutiny but believes he can become a strong shooter in time.

“A lot of threes around the league now, a lot of shooting,” Dunn said. “Right now for me in this process, just (wanting) to get a lot of shots, threes up to keep that confidence going high.”

Defense, defense, defense

The All-ACC player, regarded as a defensive specialist, said his greatest thrill is weak-side blocks. He loves being a major factor on the perimeter and forcing shot-clock violations when possible.

Dunn said his defensive skillset only has a chance to grow when squaring up against Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in practice every day.

In his final season at Virginia, Dunn averaged 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game. His swat numbers saw him ranked 16th in NCAA DI basketball and selected to the ACC All-Defensive Team.

A beloved jersey number is out of reach

Both Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, the other newly minted Suns rookie, wore No. 13 in college.

However, with the number up in the rafters of Footprint Center courtesy of Suns legend Steve Nash, neither has the luxury of requesting their college number.

“Me and Oso were devastated that we couldn’t get 13, tried to fight for it, but we’re just grateful to be here and figuring that stuff out right now,” Dunn said.

What level of confidence does Dunn exude with the signing under his belt?

Dunn told Arizona Sports’ morning duo he realizes that league veterans may get the best of him at times, but he is not going to shy away from the moment.

“They’re (current NBA players) just people I’m going up against now, it’s not just people I grew up watching,” Dunn said. “I belong here. That’s what the Suns drafted me for.”

Where can Suns fan get their first look at Dunn in action?

Dunn’s first competitive showcase will happen in NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from July 12 to 22.

The Suns are scheduled to face the Golden State Warriors on July 13 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The game will air on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. MST.

“Today is a good day because I get the pleasure of introducing two of the newest members of the Phoenix Suns family Ryan and Oso.”

🎥 A look back at @Almighty_ry3 and @_oso_i introduction to the Valley! pic.twitter.com/ftGyMbeai2

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) July 2, 2024

Though first-round coverage of the 2024 NBA Draft demanded explanation of 28th pick Ryan Dunn — and rightly so — touching on Durant trade rumors was naturally a part of Jones’ Zoom meeting with reporters.

Earlier on Wednesday, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reported that the Suns “want out of Kevin Durant right now.”

Jones doubled down on the franchise owner Mat Ishbia’s stance that the bona fide NBA All-Star is not going anywhere.

“I think I said it specifically on May 19, when I was asked ‘Are we trading Kevin Durant?'” Jones said on Wednesday night. “I said no then, I say no now … but that makes the NBA and the draft and everything around it, the offseason, that what makes it interesting for the fans, so I get it and understand it.”

Jones also elaborated about his growing relationship with Durant.

“It’s all love,” Jones said. “It’s all good. Having a chance to work with one of the all-time greatest players and the success that we’ll have going forward, it’s what you live for.”

With the damage control done and residue cleaned up, Jones was freed to answer questions pertaining to business at hand in this year’s NBA Draft.

The Suns traded down from their original 22nd position and collected the 28th from the Denver Nuggets along with Thursday’s 56th selection and future second-round picks in 2026 and 2031.

Jones told media members that Dunn will have the opportunity to develop as a his shot-making ability, as he was primarily asked to defend while at Virginia. The GM also expressed confidence in the wing player to impact the box score in a variety of ways.

“I know how badly he (Dunn) wanted to be in Phoenix,” Jones said. “He saw that fit, and most importantly, he was adamant. His desire is to become an elite defender in this league first and foremost, and that’s something we can really benefit from.”

Last season with the Cavaliers, Dunn averaged 8.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 0.8 assists complemented by 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals.

The selection is a decade in the making, as Roenick first became eligible in 2012.

The class of 2024 is comprised of three male players, two female players and two “builders” (non-players, upper team management). The induction ceremony is slated for Nov. 11 in Toronto, Canada.

Inductees must receive at least 75% of the votes from the Hockey Hall of Fame selection committee. Roenick was one of three retired male players to make the cut (Shea Weber and Pavel Datsyuk) as the HHOF limits the retired male player category to four.

Roenick, whose NHL career spanned 20 years, became the eighth Coyote player to achieve Hall-of-Fame status and first since Teemu Selanne was granted the right in 2017.

Welcome to the Hockey Hall of Fame, ​Jeremy Roenick.#HHOF2024 | #HHOF pic.twitter.com/qRQaDpvCjJ

— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) June 25, 2024

A snapshot of Jeremy Roenick’s prolific career on ice

The Boston, Massachusetts native finished his career with 1,216 points, stockpiling 513 goals and 703 assists with five different franchises. On Nov. 10, 2007, Roenick joined rare company, becoming just the third American-born player to hit the 500-goal milestone while with the San Jose Sharks.

Roenick was selected as the No. 8 overall pick in the 1988 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks after a standout high school career (34 goals in 24 games) at Thayer Academy in Massachusetts.

Roenick was the first NHL player to wear the number 97 after he was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes because 27 — the jersey number he wore in his eight seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks — was already on the back of defenseman Teppo Numminen.

The right-handed stick wielder tallied 152 goals and 227 assists while a Coyote (1997-2001, 2007), averaging over 24 goals and 37 assists per season.

He participated in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and was on the silver-medal winning U.S. squad and also competed in the 1991 Canada Cup.