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Arizona Diamondbacks: Five players that are quietly impacting the team’s success

By Joseph Jacquez
The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate their 42nd win of the season Friday night against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate their 42nd win of the season Friday night against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Fernando Rodney Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Fernando Rodney Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Fernando Rodney

Since May 15, the Diamondbacks 20-8 record is the best in baseball. Arizona’s biggest question mark this season has been the ninth inning, but Fernando Rodney has been lights out lately. The 40-year-old Dominican native is a big reason why the Diamondbacks have stayed in the N.L. West race.

Arizona probably would have won a few more games in April if Rodney did not blow save opportunities, but he is making up for it. In his last 15 appearances, dating back to May 1, Rodney has not allowed an earned run in 14.2 innings pitched.

During that time, he is 12 for 13 in save opportunities. The only blemish was because of defensive miscues leading to an unearned run and a blown save.

Since the second month of the season began, Rodney’s .047 batting average against is the best  in the majors ahead of Boston Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel.

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If Rodney can stay the course, the Diamondbacks biggest question mark becomes a strength. Suddenly, Arizona would not have a pressing need at the Trade Deadline.

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