The Arizona Diamondbacks' recent struggles on the mound have led to significant changes within their coaching staff, marking a dramatic shift in the club’s approach to its pitching strategy. Manager Torey Lovullo, after much consideration, decided it was time for a fresh start, announcing the dismissal of pitching coach Brent Strom, bullpen coach Mike Fetters, and assistant Dan Carlson. The decision came after a season where the Diamondbacks' pitching failed to meet expectations, which ultimately cost them a playoff spot.
Let’s break it down and get into the heart of why these changes were made. Lovullo didn’t mince words when explaining the rationale behind his decision. “When you look at some of the hard, cold facts, it was the pitching that held us back this year, and it was a year-long struggle,” he said, candidly pointing to the stats that placed Arizona 27th in the league for pitching. With a roster that included notable names, it was clear to Lovullo that the team could, and should, have performed better. This disappointment fueled his desire to seek change. “We need to do better,” Lovullo added, making it clear that the Diamondbacks' future depended on more effective management of the pitching staff.
Despite being just one year removed from a World Series run, Lovullo felt the urgency to shake things up. It may have seemed like a sudden decision, but from the manager’s perspective, it was essential to the club’s forward momentum. "You can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results," Lovullo seemed to imply. And when a team doesn’t meet its potential, especially in such a pivotal part of the game like pitching, tough choices have to be made.
While it’s always hard to part ways with staff, Lovullo’s decision wasn’t entirely unexpected. Strom himself, in comments made to The Republic, admitted that he struggled to connect with all of his pitchers this season, which is a critical part of a coach’s role. Lovullo picked up on this as well, noticing a disconnect that had become apparent over the course of the year. “Nobody outwardly came to me and told me,” Lovullo said, “but you can sense when somebody is not getting everything they want or need.” It’s subtle, but when that bond between coach and players weakens, performance often follows suit, and that’s exactly what the Diamondbacks experienced.
Let’s not forget, however, that the Diamondbacks did have some bright spots on the mound this season. One such success story was right-hander Ryne Nelson. A midseason breakout, Nelson emerged as one of the club’s most reliable starters, offering a glimpse of what the team’s pitching staff could achieve with the right development. Additionally, reliever Justin Martinez showed substantial improvement, particularly in his strike-throwing and overall mound presence. These are the kinds of performances that highlight the potential the team has—but potential, as Lovullo knows, only goes so far without the right guidance and consistency.
The Diamondbacks also faced significant setbacks, particularly with injuries. Right-hander Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez both spent considerable time on the injured list, missing between half and two-thirds of the season, which left a gaping hole in the team’s rotation. To compound matters, left-hander Jordan Montgomery struggled mightily after signing late in the season, failing to deliver the performance expected of him. Reliever Paul Sewald, brought in to solidify the bullpen, also had a rocky season, losing his role as the closer by August. The bullpen's inability to fill that void was a glaring issue that plagued the team down the stretch.
While Lovullo acknowledged the efforts and talents of Strom, Fetters, and Carlson, he felt it was time for a “clean slate” on the pitching side. He’s now looking for replacements who can bring a fresh perspective and new energy to the team. “I’m looking for connectors,” Lovullo said, emphasizing the importance of communication between coaches and players. He’s also seeking individuals who possess the ability to teach in a simplified yet effective manner, tailoring their approach to each pitcher’s unique needs. This kind of adaptive coaching could be exactly what the Diamondbacks need to bounce back and return to playoff contention.
The decision to part ways with Strom wasn’t entirely one-sided, though. Lovullo mentioned that the club offered to retain Strom in an advisory capacity, but it appears the longtime pitching coach is ready to move on. Strom’s future may lie elsewhere, but there’s no doubt his experience and knowledge will continue to influence the game, even if it’s not with the Diamondbacks.
As for the rest of the coaching staff, Lovullo made it clear that there won’t be any further changes, at least for the time being. The manager expressed confidence in his remaining coaches, signaling stability in other areas of the club’s operations. That said, the search for new pitching leadership will be deliberate and thorough. “I’m in no hurry,” Lovullo noted, indicating that he’s willing to take his time to find the right candidates who can help the Diamondbacks get back on track.
While the focus may be on the Diamondbacks' pitching struggles, it’s important to recognize that the team isn’t that far off from being a contender again. With young talent like Ryne Nelson and Justin Martinez emerging and the potential for a healthier roster next season, the Diamondbacks could easily find themselves back in the playoff conversation. But the key to making that happen will be finding the right people to guide the pitching staff and unlock the full potential of the arms they have.
It’s an exciting yet critical time for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the changes made this offseason could very well determine the course of the franchise’s future. Lovullo’s decision to part ways with his pitching staff, while difficult, shows that he’s committed to doing whatever it takes to improve. For fans, there’s hope that these moves will lead to a stronger, more consistent pitching performance next season, and maybe even a return to the postseason.
In the world of baseball, success often comes down to the smallest details. For the Diamondbacks, those details reside on the mound, and with the right coaching, the team’s future looks bright.
Login