The Arizona Diamondbacks just played a four-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers that may end up carrying significance beyond the standings.
After splitting the four games, Arizona remains 6.5 games behind Los Angeles in the National League West.
That alone does not make Arizona the favorite to catch the Dodgers or emerge as a postseason favorite.
What it does suggest is that the Diamondbacks have shown enough through this point of the season to justify approaching the trade deadline aggressively if the right move becomes available.
One option that continues making sense is pursuing Nathan Eovaldi from the Texas Rangers.
Arizona’s starting staff has performed better than many expected entering the season, but there are still reasonable concerns about whether the current group is built to hold up through October.
Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly entered the year projected as the leaders of the rotation, yet both currently carry ERAs above 5.00.
Eduardo Rodriguez has produced a strong 2.24 ERA, although his 4.54 Expected ERA raises questions about whether that level can be maintained over a larger sample.
Meanwhile, Michael Soroka has arguably been Arizona’s most effective starter, but there are still questions about whether he profiles as a true front-line option during a postseason series.
That creates a logical opening for a veteran arm.
Eovaldi’s overall numbers may not immediately jump off the page because of several uneven starts, but the larger profile remains attractive.
He has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six of his 12 starts this season and continues to stand out through elite strike throwing and an ability to consistently work deep into games.
The biggest selling point may be his playoff experience.
Across 79.2 postseason innings in 17 appearances, including 12 starts, Eovaldi owns a 3.05 ERA, a 2.84 FIP, 82 strikeouts, and only 18 walks.
His postseason résumé includes one of the more memorable performances against the Dodgers, throwing six innings and allowing one run during an extra-inning World Series game in 2018 while pitching for the Boston Red Sox.
He also brings two World Series championships.
That type of experience carries value for a team attempting to narrow the gap against established contenders.
At 36 years old, Eovaldi may not require the type of trade package attached to younger frontline starters if Texas becomes a seller at the deadline.
That could create an opportunity for Arizona to strengthen its rotation without significantly reducing organizational depth.
His most recent outing reflected both the strengths and limitations of his current profile.
Eovaldi received no decision Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals after allowing four runs on 11 hits and one walk while striking out seven over six innings.
The 11 hits allowed represented a season high.
Still, there were positives.
He generated 14 whiffs, threw 66 of his 93 pitches for strikes, and completed six innings for the seventh consecutive start.
For the season, Eovaldi owns a 4.10 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and a 74:17 K across 74.2 innings over 12 starts.
Arizona may not need another blockbuster move.
The Diamondbacks may simply need another dependable arm capable of changing the structure of a playoff rotation.
Eovaldi fits that profile.
