BREAKING: What Kind of Team Are the 2026 Diamondbacks?

In this episode of Locked On Diamondbacks, host Ross Jackson analyzes the team's early-season performance following a challenging Mexico City series against the Padres. While the Diamondbacks showed flashes of offensive brilliance—particularly in Game 2 with a 10-run rally and a grand slam by Tim Tawa—they remain plagued by defensive lapses and pitching struggles that lead to 'big innings'—defined as giving up four or more runs in a single inning. Jackson reveals a striking statistic: 11 of the team’s 27 games have featured a big inning, and in 9 of those 11 games, the D-backs lost—accounting for nearly three-quarters of their total losses. The episode dives into key injuries, including Zach Gallen (hit by a line drive), Raul DePredomo (rolled ankle), and Adrian Del Castillo (dislocated finger), while expressing cautious optimism about the return of Gabriel Moreno. Jackson argues that improving in preventing big innings—through better mid-inning adjustments, defensive consistency, and strategic pitching changes—could transform the team’s record, even if the offense remains strong. He emphasizes that while offense is essential, reducing big innings is the team’s most urgent priority.