What is the State of the Dbacks Rotation?

By Guillermo Salcido |

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Jun 17, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Chase Anderson throws in the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels during an interleague game at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

If you’ve followed the Dbacks all season, you’ll know that this is a streaky bunch of ballplayers. Arizona is currently in one of those stretches that see them play pretty well. They just came off sweeping the defending World Champion San Francisco Giants. They’re currently in the midst of a key 4 game series against the Los Angeles Angels. Arizona has been flirting with an even .500 record all season and have their sights set (like many) on a wild card position.

The Diamondbacks offense is one of the most prolific in the National League. They are among the Top 3 in categories such as runs, hits, runs batted in, stolen bases and batting average. The offense is anchored by Paul Goldschmidt, who’s having a MVP caliber season. A.J. Pollock’s season should be regarded as #ASGWorthy. Yasmany Tomas has seen his season grossly neglected by the mainstream media due to an unreal rookie class.

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The Dbacks hitting is just fine. Many people have pointed their finger at the Dbacks starting rotation as the reason to why the team isn’t producing a better record. Ironically, the moment people started noticing the incredible offense and started blaming the sub-par rotation, is the moment that the starters stepped up.

In the last five games, the word “no-hitter” has been thrown around in three of them. In those five games, no Dbacks starter has given up more than two runs. Each of the starts were quality starts with the exception of Allen Webster’s, which was only a third of inning from qualifying.

It’s easy to see that the Dbacks rotation is currently experiencing a peak. However, as is always the case with a streaky time like Arizona, a drop off is due. The Dbacks have an intriguing situation because of the never ending uncertainty in who’s part of the rotation. Nagging injuries, demotions to the bullpen, and next level production in the minors have all shaped the rotation into what we see today. Let’s reevaluate what we have.

Next: The Current Rotation: How Times Have Changed

Jun 6, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Chase Anderson (57) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

For the time being, this is Anderson’s rotation. It wasn’t too long ago that Anderson was a place holder until Patrick Corbin’s return. Some people just perform better when job security is nonexistent. Count Anderson as one of those who do. Anderson has been head and shoulders above the rest of the rotation in terms of consistency. His 2.82 ERA is by far the most impressive of the original starting rotation, but his two wins remain a sore sight.

After having an insignificant April, Anderson absolutely stole the show in May. During the month, Anderson sported a 2.65 ERA, but with only one victory to his name. Four of Anderson’s six May starts were of the quality variety, yet he suffered from low to no run support. In June he’s picked up right where he left off as he has a 0.71 ERA in the month while collecting his second win.

Jun 14, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Rubby De La Rosa (12) acknowledges a fan on his way to the dugout at the close of the seventh inning at AT&T Park. The Diamondbacks defeated the San Francisco Giants 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Rubby De La Rosa

This is where the instability starts. De La Rosa is the most frustrating pitcher of the bunch. He’s starting to become a true two outcome pitcher. At times he’s shown glimpses of excellence. The best example is his last outing against San Francisco. De La Rosa went 8 scoreless innings and struck out six. He’s also shown signs of incompetence. The best examples are the two starts that proceeded San Francisco. He allowed 9 runs in one and 7 in the other.

Despite his uneasy 5.27 ERA, De La Rosa leads the Dbacks with five victories. Another attractive quality is his above average strikeout ability. In 82 innings, De La Rosa has struck out a team-leading 77 hitters. Unfortunately for him, he also leads the team in runs allowed. If he’s able to produce more starts like his last one, his spot is secure. However, if he continues to allow runs at a rapid pace, he could see the same fate as a certain Opening Day starter.

Jun 16, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (58) works against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning during the game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Jeremy Hellickson

Hellickson has come a far way from his horrendous start to 2015. In April, Hellickson went 1-3 with a 5.24 ERA. Midway through May it appeared that Hellickson would continue on the same path, one that would lead him straight to the bullpen or even Reno. On May 13, Hellickson’s ERA rose to 5.92 and the Arizona faithful were calling for his removal. Ever since that game, Hellickson has turned things around quite nicely.

Hellickson has provided the Dbacks with a quality start in five of his last six outings. He’s collected three wins during this stretch and has lowered his season ERA to 5.10. It’s going to be a grind to lower his ERA, but if Hellickson can continue to pitch quality starts and keep his team in the game, he’ll continue to own a position in the starting rotation.

Jun 15, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray delivers a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It gets (even more) interesting after this point. Ray was originally a spot start against Colorado after Archie Bradley went down with his first injury After an admirable outing (a victorious 6 inning, 5 strikeout effort), Ray was sent back down to Reno. Ray returned to Arizona after Bradley’s second trip to the DL.

So far, he’s refused to be sent down with his great play. Ray’s best outing of the season was his last one against the Los Angeles Angels. He went 7 scoreless innings and took home his second win of the season. In 24.2 innings, Ray has a sparkling 1.09 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. He’s carved out a spot in the rotation for now and deserves the benefit of the doubt.

Jun 13, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Allen Webster (27) prepares to deliver a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The 25-year old was traded from Los Angeles to Boston in the Gonzalez trade and then traded from Boston to Arizona in the Miley trade. His time in Boston as a youngster was rather brutal. Webster went 6-5 with a 6.25 ERA in two season with the Red Sox. After having a rough start for AAA Reno in 2015 (1-2, 9.00 ERA, 24 K), Webster’s call up raised more than a few eyebrows.

Webster was inserted into the starting rotation after Josh Collmenter’s long awaited (and overdue) demotion to the bullpen. His season debut came against San Francisco and it was a triumphant one. Webster went 5.2 innings and allowed two runs with two hits. Webster is currently slotted in the #5 spot, but a Robbie Ray like performance could help him fight all comers.

Next: The Demoted and The Injured

Jun 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Josh Collmenter (55) sits in the dugout in-between innings against the New York Mets at Chase Field. The Mets won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Collmenter

Collmenter was always built in the mold of a cult hero. In 2013, Collmenter was incredibly efficient out of the bullpen. He produced a career high 3.13 ERA that warranted a move to the starting rotation in 2014. That season he started in a career high 28 games, went 11-9 and had a sub-3.50 ERA. Collmenter began the season as the Opening Day starter and the Dbacks “ace.”

Collmenter’s season peak came way back on April 17th (two months ago). It was a complete game shutout of the San Frnacisco Giants. His last victory came on May 6th, a game in which he allowed ten hits and five runs. His next start was a throttling at the hands of the Washington Nationals (nine earned runs) and his most recent start was five earned run effort. Collmenter returns to the bullpen where he figures to stay for the near future.

May 8, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley with a black eye in the dugout against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Bradley started the season as one of the highest rated prospects and the Dbacks’ leading man. Bradley broke camp as the #5 starter in the Dbacks rotation and further exemplified Arizona’s commitment to the future. After his first three starts, it was reaffirmed that the Dbacks were correct to keep him in the majors. Bradley went 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA and 12 strikeouts. He kept his team in the game while facing off against the likes of Kershaw and Bumgarner.

His season made 180 degree turn on April 28. While starting against Colorado, Bradley was hit in the face with a liner. He was sent to the DL but came off of it quickly. In the four starts since, he’s yet to go past 5 innings and has yet to give up fewer than four runs. Bradley returned to the DL with shoulder tendinitis. At 22 years old, there’s no rush to get him in the majors and we’ve already speculated whether he should be sent down when he returns.

9Sep 22, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin (46) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sport

The one we’ve been patiently waiting for. Corbin showed us back in 2013 that he’s well worth the wait. That season he went 14-8 with a 3.41 ERA with 178 strikeouts. He was an All Star for Arizona and was destined to for great things before Tommy John surgery. The rehab process completely wiped out his 2014 season and he’s still hasn’t made his return. However, he’s finally facing live hitters in rehab assignments.

Corbin’s first start came in A-level ball with Visalia. He got roughed up (four runs, four hits) and didn’t make it out of the first inning. Corbin’s second start for AA Mobile was much better. In 4.2 innings, he surrendered two runs and six hits while striking out three. It appears that he’s still a few starts away from returning to the majors, but when he does, he should receive an opportunity to reclaim the spot he unfairly lost.

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