Nicole: Two-run triple in the first. A five-run rally on the road. And a team carrying an injury list that looks like a phone book. If you think the Arizona Diamondbacks are done, you haven't been paying attention.
Kevin: They beat the Rockies 5-3 last night to keep those wild-card hopes breathing. But tonight is Game 4 of this series, and the stakes couldn't be higher for a team fighting for its playoff life.
Nicole: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network! I'm Nicole, and I'm joined by our lead analyst, Kevin. We are live from the desert, where the D-backs are sitting at 84-74, third in the NL West, looking to close out this rivalry series against Colorado.
Kevin: That's right, Nicole. It’s September 24th, 2026. The regular season is winding down, but for Arizona, it’s just beginning. Tonight, we’re breaking down the pitching matchup, the offensive keys with Corbin Carroll and Nolan Arenado leading the charge, and how this team manages their battered roster to secure a postseason berth.
Nicole: Here is what we are covering today: First, we’ll look at the pitching probables and why Michael Soroka’s recent success might not carry over directly. Second, we’ll dive into the offense—specifically how Ketel Marte and the lineup need to exploit Colorado’s weaknesses. And finally, we’ll talk about the injury report, because let’s be honest, it’s extensive, and discuss our bold prediction for tonight’s outcome. Let’s get into it.
Nicole: Okay, let’s start with the mound. Last night, the D-backs won 5-3 thanks in large part to Corbin Carroll’s two-run triple capping a four-run first inning. But tonight, we have to talk about the rotation. With Chase Dollander, Pierson Ohl, Tyler Locklear, Ryan Thompson, A.J. Puk, Andrew Saalfrank, and Cristian Mena all on the 60-day IL, the starting pitcher situation is precarious. Who is taking the ball tonight?
Kevin: Well, Nicole, the brief doesn’t explicitly name the probable starter for tonight’s game, which tells us something about the depth chart. However, looking at who is available and healthy, we have to consider the guys who have been stepping up. We know Michael Soroka had a massive win earlier in this series—he struck out nine in seven innings of one-run ball in a 7-2 victory. That performance was huge.
Nicole: Right, and he sent Colorado to their 100th loss of the season with that kind of dominance. But can they lean on him again? Or does Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, or Merrill Kelly get the call? These are the questions we’ve been asking since the Yankees game, remember?
Kevin: We did mention the severe injury list affecting the pitching staff back on the 21st. The reality is, with so many arms on the 60-day IL, the remaining starters have to eat innings. If Soroka goes again, it’s a heavy lift. If it’s someone like Ryne Nelson or Eduardo Rodriguez, we’re looking at a different profile. Nelson has shown flashes, but Rodriguez brings experience. The key here is whether the bullpen is ready to support them if the starter doesn’t go deep.
Nicole: And the bullpen is also decimated. You mentioned the names earlier—Jonathan Loaisiga, Justin Martinez, Juan Morillo, Dennis Santana. They are being asked to do a lot. Taylor Clarke, Brandyn Garcia, Kevin Ginkel, Brandon Pfaadt—they are the ones left standing. How do you manage relief usage when you’re trying to keep your best arms fresh for October?
Kevin: It’s a balancing act. You don’t want to burn out your closer if you’re only up by one run in a non-guaranteed win situation. But with Colorado batting ninth and struggling offensively, maybe you can afford to use a high-leverage arm like Ginkel in the seventh if needed. The strategy shifts from 'save the arm' to 'get the out.' That’s the mindset with this roster right now.
Nicole: So, the pitching angle is about survival and efficiency. No matter who starts, the margin for error is zero. If the starter gives up three runs in the first, the bullpen has to work overtime. Let’s shift gears to the other side of the ball. Offense.
Nicole: Corbin Carroll had that two-run triple last night. He’s been electric. And Nolan Arenado had three hits, including his team-leading 28th homer, in the previous game. These two are the engines. But who else needs to step up? Gabriel Moreno is catching, James McCann is behind the plate too. How does the lineup look tonight?
Kevin: The lineup features some serious firepower. Carroll in center field, Nolan Arenado at third base, Ketel Marte at second, Geraldo Perdomo at shortstop. That’s a top-heavy lineup with elite talent. In the outfield, you have Jordan Lawlar and Ryan Waldschmidt. At first base, you’ve got Pavin Smith, Tim Tawa, and Ildemaro Vargas rotating. And in the DH spot, Lars Nootbaar, Jesus Sanchez, and Jose Fernandez give you platoon options.
Nicole: That’s a deep bench for DH options. Lars Nootbaar is particularly interesting because of his ability to get on base and hit for power. His OBP is crucial in tight games. But Kevin, Colorado’s pitching has been shaky. They’re 57-100, fifth in the NL West. Do the D-backs need to be patient, or should they attack early?
Kevin: You attack early. When you’re facing a team that’s heading for 100 losses, you don’t wait for mistakes. You put the ball in play. Carroll’s triple last night came in a four-run first inning. That’s exactly the kind of aggressive approach that wins games late in the season. The D-backs need to leverage their speed and power against Colorado’s vulnerable defense.
Nicole: Speed and power. Carroll and Lawlar are both fast. If they can get on base, they can create havoc. But we also have to talk about the injuries again. Kris Bryant is on the 60-day IL. Willi Castro is on the 10-day IL. These are pieces that would help this lineup. Without them, the pressure falls entirely on Carroll, Arenado, and Marte.
Kevin: Exactly. The absence of Bryant and Castro hurts, especially in terms of defensive versatility and depth. But this group has shown resilience. They kept their wild-card hopes alive with that win last night. The mental toughness is there. Now it’s about execution. Every at-bat matters more than usual because every run counts toward that playoff picture.
Nicole: So, the offense needs to be sharp, the pitching needs to be efficient, and the bullpen needs to be ready. It’s a lot of pressure for one night. Let’s talk about the bigger picture. What are the keys to this series? We predicted a split before, but things have changed.
Nicole: We did predict a split, and then we predicted a 5-2 win. Well, they won 5-3 last night. So we’re getting closer. What are the keys to closing out this series against the Rockies? And what’s your bold prediction for tonight?
Kevin: The key is momentum. The D-backs won 7-2, then 5-3. They have confidence. The Rockies are reeling, heading for another 100-loss season. The psychological edge is with Arizona. The key for tonight is early scoring. If the D-backs score first, they can control the pace. If they trail, they have to chase, which leads to mistakes.
Nicole: Early scoring. Got it. So, what’s the bold prediction? Are we saying they sweep? Or just take this game?
Kevin: I’m predicting a D-backs win. Not just a win, but a statement win. I think Corbin Carroll hits another extra-base hit, and the bullpen holds strong. Maybe 4-2 or 5-3. Something that keeps their playoff hopes very much alive as they head into the final stretch.
Nicole: I agree. The momentum is too strong. The Rockies are tired, the D-backs are hungry. I see Carroll continuing his hot streak. He’s the heart of this team. If he’s hitting, everyone else follows. So, D-backs win tonight. Keep that streak going.
Kevin: And let’s not forget the defensive positioning. With Jordan Lawlar in center, the range is excellent. If they can turn a double play or make a diving catch, it shifts the entire energy of the stadium. It’s small details, but in tight games, those are the difference makers.
Nicole: Small details, big impact. That’s the Diamondbacks’ story right now. Fighting through injuries, leaning on their stars, and playing smart baseball. We’ve talked about the pitching, the offense, the injuries, and our prediction. It’s all coming down to tonight.
Nicole: What a night ahead for Diamondbacks fans. From Corbin Carroll’s clutch hitting to the bullpen’s tough decisions, this series defines their season. Thank you for listening to the Beatline Podcast Network. Before we go, we want to say something genuine. If today’s episode helped you understand the D-backs’ path to the playoffs, please consider supporting us. It’s free, daily content made by fans, for fans. If you found value here, chip in via the link in the episode description to keep the show running.
Kevin: We appreciate every single listener. Your support keeps us going. Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear about these wild-card chances. Let’s keep this conversation going.
Nicole: Diamondbacks! Up in the sky! Let’s fly! See you tomorrow.