Diamondbacks search for answers as NL West goes through historic slump

The Diamondbacks, along with the rest of the National League West, are all on 3-plus game losing streaks at the same time — the first time that’s happened in MLB history.

The San Francisco Giants have dropped five straight, while the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres each carry four-game losing streaks. Arizona and the Colorado Rockies are close behind at three losses apiece.

For the Diamondbacks, the timing is significant based on returning players and current underperformance. Starting pitching has begun to falter after opening the season on a high note, returning players haven’t found their groove since coming off the injured list, and others have yet to make an impact this season.

At the same time, Arizona has gained no meaningful ground in the division race. The entire division is going through similar struggles, a dynamic that’s never been seen before and could be important to look back on once the season is over. The D-Backs have known all too well how each game matters for postseason contention.

The NL West has long been regarded as one of baseball’s most competitive divisions, often producing multiple postseason contenders. For all five teams to be on a skid showcases the volatility that can define it over 162 games.

A three-game skid isn’t ideal, but the Snakes’ performances over the last few weeks are a growing concern because of unbalanced play. After starting the year multiple games over .500, they now sit at .500 after suffering a series loss to the Chicago Cubs this weekend.

They’ll need a quick turnaround to stay at or above .500 and remain close behind the Dodgers, who lead the division. The Diamondbacks are just 3.5 games back, and a prolonged slide could widen that gap.

Arizona’s struggles aren’t happening alone, but as part of a rare division-wide slide where any team can turn it around and surge while others continue to struggle.