Fans grow restless as the Diamondbacks’ pitching struggles go on
PHOENIX — What began as a competitive start for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting rotation has unraveled in recent weeks, and fans are growing restless.
May 1, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen (23) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
It’s no secret the club is going through a tough stretch after its latest road trip, going 2-6, including a sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs this past weekend. While many point to a lack of offense and inconsistent performances at the plate, one of the biggest concerns fans have noted is the starting pitching in these series.
Over the eight-game trip, the starting rotation’s ERA was 8.10, with 34 earned runs over 34.1 innings and six home runs allowed, according to StatMuse. This has become an alarming trend for fans, as Arizona’s starting staff now posts the worst ERA in MLB at 5.42, according to MLB.com.
May 2, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Ryne Nelson (19) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Several arms have struggled to find consistency. Right-hander Ryne Nelson, who helped anchor the core last year, has shown flashes but remains uneven, while veterans Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly have not been the one-two punch they were in previous years. Michael Soroka , who also started the year on the right foot, recently surrendered eight earned runs in his previous outing.
Left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez has been the Diamondbacks’ most reliable pitcher so far, the only starter with an ERA under 4.00 at 3.03.
Still, for the staff to sport such an inflated ERA overall signals concern, and that concern will only grow if the skid continues.
Apr 29, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (57)delivers a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The D-Backs have already dropped eight of their last 11 games, erasing early momentum and raising questions about how the starting rotation can return to its previous form.
For the organization, the stakes remain high. Without meaningful improvement from the rotation — and with reinforcements still a long way from returning — Arizona risks falling further behind in the standings. Early-season struggles can be overcome, but sustained pitching success ultimately factors into postseason contention or another postseason miss.
Apr 23, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona , USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Michael Soroka (34) throws against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Fans want better, and they expect better — the pressure continues to mount for the Diamondbacks as they look to regain form during their next homestand.
