D-Backs seek success after injury-filled 2025 season
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Lourdes Gurriel Jr., center, is one of several players whose injuries hampered the Diamondbacks down the stretch last year. Photo: John Fisher/Getty Images
The Arizona Diamondbacks are hoping to bounce back this season after a 2025 plagued by injuries, some of which they'll still be dealing with this year.
The big picture: The D-Backs haven't been to the postseason since their Cinderella run to the 2023 World Series, which is getting further and further in the rearview mirror.
Catch up quick: Arizona started last season with some optimism after signing 2021 Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes and first baseman Josh Naylor.
- But Burnes' season ended early with Tommy John surgery. Also on the injured list were key players like outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and relief pitchers Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk.
- As they slipped out of playoff contention, the D-Backs traded big hitters Naylor and Eugenio Suarez and starting pitcher Merrill Kelly.
Yes, but: They still had one of the highest-scoring offenses in the majors.
State of play: The D-Backs bring back a lot of offensive firepower, including second baseman Ketel Marte, a subject of offseason trade talk; former Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll, who's led the National League in triples for three straight seasons; and shortstop Gerardo Perdomo, an NL MVP candidate last year.
- In the offseason, they signed 34-year-old third baseman Nolan Arenado, an eight-time All-Star.
- On the pitching side, they brought back Kelly.
Threat level: The D-Backs' success may hinge on how well they recover from last year's injuries.
- Burnes isn't expected back until around July, and it usually takes pitchers a while to return to form after Tommy John surgery, if it happens at all.
- Puk hopes to return by June, and Martinez, who's also recovering from Tommy John surgery, in August. Meanwhile, Gurriel is likely to miss at least the first month of the season.
- The absence of Martinez and Puk will be a problem for the bullpen, which is expected to continue to be a weak spot.
1 tough division: As usual, the D-Backs start off behind the eight-ball in the NL West, where they have to compete with powerhouse teams like the Padres, Giants and Dodgers, the defending World Series champions.
What we're watching: ESPN projects the D-Backs to finish the season at 81-81.
- Most experts have them finishing third or fourth in the NL West, though a couple of CBS Sports prognosticators think they'll finish second behind Los Angeles.
What's next: The D-Backs start their season Thursday with a road game against the Dodgers.
The bottom line: Arizona has talent, but nothing's going to come easy this season. If the snakes want to go back to the playoffs, it'll be a wild card spot or bust.