D-backs' Series Win Over Blue Jays Highlights Rotation Decisions, Bullpen Success

Arizona's fourth straight series victory raises questions about Geraldo Perdomo's struggles and Corbin Carroll's health

Apr. 20, 2026 at 12:12am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in vibrant colors representing a baseball game, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes that capture the dynamic action and energy of the sport.The Diamondbacks' series victory over the Blue Jays highlights the team's strategic roster decisions and bullpen success, but also raises concerns about key players' health and performance.Phoenix Today

The Arizona Diamondbacks won their fourth consecutive series, taking two out of three games against the Toronto Blue Jays. The series highlighted the team's strong starting rotation decisions, with Michael Soroka continuing his impressive run and Brandon Pfaadt providing solid relief. The bullpen also maintained its success, with Paul Sewald earning his seventh save. However, the series raised questions about shortstop Geraldo Perdomo's uncharacteristic mistakes and star outfielder Corbin Carroll's recurring back issues.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks' series win over the Blue Jays demonstrates the team's ability to make smart roster decisions and sustain a strong bullpen, which are crucial factors for a team looking to contend in the NL West. However, the concerns around Perdomo and Carroll's health could impact the team's performance if not addressed properly.

The details

In the second game, starter Michael Soroka threw seven innings of two-run baseball, lowering his ERA to 2.78 and winning his fourth start as a Diamondback. Meanwhile, Brandon Pfaadt provided 6.1 innings of one-run relief in the series finale, validating the team's decision to keep him in the rotation and send him to the bullpen. The Diamondbacks' bullpen also continued its success, with Jonathan Loaisiga and Paul Sewald combining for a save in the first game and Kevin Ginkel closing out the fourth-run lead in the second game.

  • On April 17, 2026, Michael Soroka threw seven innings of two-run baseball against the Blue Jays.
  • On April 17, 2026, Brandon Pfaadt provided 6.1 innings of one-run relief in the series finale against the Blue Jays.

The players

Michael Soroka

A starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who has won all four of his starts this season and lowered his ERA to 2.78.

Brandon Pfaadt

A Diamondbacks pitcher who was sent to the bullpen after the team's decision to keep him in the rotation, and he provided solid relief in the series finale.

Paul Sewald

The Diamondbacks' closer who recorded his seventh save, tied for the major league lead with Padres closer Mason Miller.

Geraldo Perdomo

The Diamondbacks' shortstop who has struggled with uncharacteristic mistakes on both offense and defense this season.

Corbin Carroll

The Diamondbacks' star outfielder who hit a game-winning grand slam in the second game but was removed from the third game due to low back tightness, a recurring issue.

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What they’re saying

“He's definitely got some low back issues that have been taking place. I told you guys that there were some things that were happening around his body, but he's just tightly wound. I just think it's a day-to-day thing that he's going to continue to monitor.”

— Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks Manager

What’s next

The Diamondbacks will need to closely monitor Corbin Carroll's back issue and determine if it will impact his power stroke going forward. They will also need to address Geraldo Perdomo's uncharacteristic mistakes to ensure he remains a reliable contributor.

The takeaway

The Diamondbacks' series win over the Blue Jays showcases the team's ability to make smart roster decisions and maintain a strong bullpen, which are crucial factors for a team looking to contend in the NL West. However, the concerns around Perdomo and Carroll's health could impact the team's performance if not addressed properly.