The Arizona Diamondbacks extended their losing skid with a 12-2 defeat against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday at Comerica Park. The franchise faces a pivotal moment as they look to stop their four-game slide during the series finale, scheduled for a 10:10 a.m. MST first pitch.
Having lost seven of their previous eight games, the Diamondbacks slipped to a 51-57 record and have effectively fallen out of postseason contention. Attention now shifts toward the upcoming trade deadline, focusing on potential moves involving key players such as Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen, and Eugenio Suarez. Meanwhile, the Tigers have surged back with three consecutive wins, enjoying a comfortable nine-game lead in the AL Central division.
Ryne Nelson’s Impressive Performance Amid Team’s Struggles
Ryne Nelson has emerged as a bright spot for Arizona despite the team‘s difficulties. Initially serving as bullpen depth, Nelson has stepped up following Corbin Burnes’ season-ending elbow injury in early June. Since then, Nelson has delivered outstanding results, pitching 45.1 innings across eight starts with a 1.99 ERA. Although his 3.97 FIP suggests some good fortune on balls in play, Nelson’s strategy of challenging hitters with a fastball located high in the strike zone has helped induce weak contact consistently.
In his last outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Nelson dominated by throwing six scoreless innings while allowing just a single hit. However, the Tigers’ aggressive hitting approach throughout this series means Nelson must vary his pitches effectively, relying on secondary offerings and avoiding an overreliance on his fastball. Failure to do so could lead to a performance reminiscent of Brandon Pfaadt, who was hit hard for seven runs and three home runs in 4.2 innings against Detroit.
New Tigers Addition: Chris Paddack’s Debut
Detroit introduced their new pitcher Chris Paddack in Tuesday’s game, following an acquisition from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for catching prospect Enrique Jimenez. Paddack first made a name for himself during his rookie season with the San Diego Padres in 2019, earning a 9-7 record and a 3.33 ERA over 26 starts.
Injuries and inconsistent outings have hindered Paddack’s production since then. Over the past six seasons, his ERA has climbed to 4.91 in just 77 starts, with 2025 marking his highest workload since his debut at 111 innings pitched. Despite these struggles, Paddack remains a fastball/changeup pitcher, averaging 93.8 mph on his four-seam fastball while mixing in curves and sliders. His last appearance against the Diamondbacks was in 2021.
Arizona’s Lineup Adjustments and Trade Deadline Implications
Eugenio Suarez returned to Arizona’s lineup after missing time due to a bruised finger sustained from a hit-by-pitch on Monday. His status remains uncertain with the trade deadline approaching Thursday at 12:00 p.m. MST. Speculation surrounds whether Suarez or other veterans like Merrill Kelly and Zac Gallen will be moved as the Diamondbacks look to manage their roster amid a disappointing season.
Pitching Staff Challenges and Bullpen Usage
Despite knocking the Tigers’ starting pitcher out by the second inning on Tuesday, the Diamondbacks were overwhelmed, facing a 12-2 loss. Reliever Brandyn Garcia struggled early, conceding three earned runs on four hits while recording only one out. Further appearances from Brandon Woodford and John Curtiss could not halt the Tigers’ offensive momentum.
Kevin Ginkel, Arizona’s closer, is well-rested but has not found save opportunities due to the team‘s recent offensive struggles. Detroit’s bullpen used four relievers in the previous game, with lefty Brant Hurter pitching effectively across 3.1 innings to limit bullpen fatigue. Closer Will Vest recorded a save on Monday and will be available for the decisive Wednesday game.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Hopes and Team Decisions
The Diamondbacks face mounting pressure as their playoff chances evaporate with continued losses, while the Tigers consolidate their lead in the division. The upcoming trade deadline will be a crucial moment for Arizona, determining how the team restructures for the future, especially regarding key players like Suarez, Gallen, and Kelly.
Ryne Nelson’s recent strong performances provide some optimism for the team’s pitching depth as they aim to stop their losing streak. How the Diamondbacks manage their roster and develop young talent in the coming weeks will be vital as they prepare for next season.