The Arizona Diamondbacks recently finished a six-game road swing in the Eastern time zone. This trip began after the team concluded a series against the Atlanta Braves on April 27, a game that was an early part of the Braves schedule for the 2025 season.
The subsequent trip took the team to New York City for three games against the Mets, followed by three games in Philadelphia against the Phillies. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo described the week away from home as "mentally exhausting."
The team also faced personnel challenges during the trip. Co-closer Justin Martinez was sidelined with a shoulder injury suffered in New York. Tests later revealed no significant damage. Martinez was placed on the 15-day injured list before the team reached Philadelphia.
Pitching staff issues continued upon arrival in Philadelphia. Co-ace Corbin Burnes will not make his scheduled start Monday due to shoulder inflammation. Ryne Nelson will replace Burnes in the rotation. The team expects Burnes to start Saturday and does not plan to place him on the injured list.
On the field, the Diamondbacks faced two of the National League East's top teams. They took two of three games from the Mets at Citi Field to start the road swing.
The series in Philadelphia against the Phillies proved more challenging. After losing the first two games, the Diamondbacks won the finale 11-9 in 10 innings at Citizens Bank Park.
The win in the final game allowed the team to finish the six-game trip with a .500 record. Losing after holding a six-run lead in the fourth inning of Sunday's game would have made the return flight to Phoenix feel considerably longer.
Starting pitching performances on the trip included Brandon Pfaadt, who started the April 27 game against the Braves. Eduardo Rodriguez and Zac Gallen were scheduled to pitch the first and third games respectively against the Mets in New York, according to prior scheduling information.
Despite finishing the trip at .500, players acknowledged the team has not yet played its best baseball. Designated hitter Randal Grichuk stated the team snuck out a .500 trip and sees potential moving forward.
The Diamondbacks wrapped up the trip with mixed feelings regarding performance but noted the positive outcome of the final game. "Exhausting," Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said of the trip. "Mentally exhausting."
