Series Preview: The battle for last place

By Matthew Rzodkiewicz

Jul 4, 2016

May 29, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Brad Ziegler (29) is congratulated by catcher Chris Herrmann (10) after closing out the game against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field. The Arizona Diamondbacks won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

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Tale of the Tape:

Batting: Padres (.242/.302/.393, 10th in NL in runs), Diamondbacks (.268/.327/.440, 7th in NL in runs)

Pitching: Padres (4.58 ERA, 12th in NL), Diamondbacks (4.64 ERA, 13th in NL)

Arizona’s offensive numbers continue to rival the best in the league—they rank third in both batting average and slugging percentage. Their pitching—which fans expected to be their strong suit—is clearly the cause of Arizona’s struggle coming into the All-Star break.

The Padres’ offense, however, pales in comparison to the Snakes. Aside from Wil Myers—who is possibly looking at his first All-Star nomination, hitting .286 with 19 dingers—San Diego has struggled to put anything together offensively. Combine that with their pitching woes—Drew Pomeranz is the only starter to have a sub-3.90 ERA, and it makes sense why San Diego is where they are.