Breaking News: Ahead of Crucial Clash Against Cardinals, Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo Declares — “We’re Ready”
As the Arizona Diamondbacks prepare for a pivotal showdown against the St. Louis Cardinals, manager Torey Lovullo delivered a clear, confident message: “We’re ready.”
With postseason aspirations hanging in the balance and momentum on the line, Lovullo’s words set the tone for what promises to be one of the most important series of the season for the D-backs. His declaration came just moments after the team wrapped up a focused, high-intensity practice at Chase Field — a session that featured crisp fielding drills, extended batting cage work, and visible determination in every rep.
“This group has put in the work,” Lovullo said in a press conference on Thursday. “They know what’s at stake. They’re locked in. We’ve talked about accountability, preparation, and execution all season long — and now it’s time to show it. We’re ready.”
A Series That Could Define the Season
Arizona enters the three-game series against St. Louis with a record hovering near .500, fighting to remain in the hunt for a National League Wild Card spot. Every win is now magnified, and every mistake potentially costly. Meanwhile, the Cardinals — though dealing with their own struggles — remain a perennial threat with a mix of veterans and young talent capable of turning any series in their favor.
“This isn’t just another series,” Lovullo emphasized. “We know what the Cardinals bring. They’re disciplined, they’re deep, and they’ve got pride. But we’re not backing down from anyone.”
Focus on Fundamentals
A key element of the Diamondbacks’ preparation this week has been a return to basics — tightening defensive alignments, sharpening situational hitting, and dialing in the bullpen rotations that have both saved and cost the team games this year.
“It’s the little things that separate good teams from great ones,” Lovullo noted. “We’ve had stretches where we’ve played brilliant baseball, and others where we let games slip away. Our focus now is consistency.”
Veteran leaders like Ketel Marte and Christian Walker echoed that sentiment in the clubhouse, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded.
“It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure,” Walker said. “But pressure means you’re in the fight. We’re exactly where we need to be. These are the games you dream of playing — games that matter.”
Pitching Decisions Loom
A major storyline heading into the series is Arizona’s rotation strategy. Lovullo has yet to officially name his Game 1 starter, though insiders suggest Zac Gallen is the likely choice — a fitting move considering Gallen has been the team’s ace and emotional anchor this season.
“He’s been everything we’ve needed,” Lovullo said of Gallen. “Every time he takes the mound, he gives us a chance to win.”
The bullpen has also been under close watch, with Lovullo and pitching coach Brent Strom carefully managing workloads to ensure maximum effectiveness during the stretch run. Look for Andrew Saalfrank and Paul Sewald to play key roles in late-inning situations against the Cardinals’ power-heavy lineup.
Offensive Spark Needed
While pitching will be critical, Lovullo knows his offense must rise to the occasion. Arizona has struggled at times to produce with runners in scoring position, a flaw they can’t afford against a Cardinals team that capitalizes on mistakes.
“We’ve got to stay aggressive,” Lovullo said. “Smart, but aggressive. We’re a team that thrives when we apply pressure — stealing bases, taking extra bases, putting the ball in play. We need to play Diamondbacks baseball.”
Corbin Carroll, the D-backs’ electric young outfielder, could be an X-factor. His speed, energy, and fearless approach have made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
“He brings juice to our lineup,” Lovullo said. “When Corbin’s going, we’re going.”
Fan Support Vital
Lovullo also called on Diamondbacks fans to bring the energy this weekend, emphasizing the impact of a loud and passionate home crowd.
“We feel it when the fans are behind us,” he said. “It’s real. We want them to know we’re fighting for them — and we need them in this with us.”
The team has launched several promotional events to energize the fan base, including discounted tickets, giveaways, and pre-game festivities aimed at creating a playoff-like atmosphere inside Chase Field.
A Defining Moment
In many ways, this series represents a crossroad for the 2025 Diamondbacks. A strong performance could vault them back into serious playoff contention, while a poor showing might force tough conversations about the road ahead.
But Lovullo remains optimistic — not just because of the numbers or projections, but because of what he’s seen from his team behind the scenes.
“This group has heart,” he said. “They’ve been tested all year — and they’ve always responded. I believe in them. I believe in our fight. And I believe we’re ready.”
As the sun sets over the Arizona desert and the lights flicker on at Chase Field, one thing is certain: the battle is about to begin.
And the Diamondbacks, led by a determined Torey Lovullo, are ready.
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