Arizona’s 2026 first base decision may hinge on a Smith-Locklear platoon, especially if injuries linger. Smith hits better vs righties, making Locklear the natural right-handed counter. Farm depth could surface if Hazen explores Tristin English, Ivan Melendez, or LuJames Groover as cheaper, controllable options, while free agency offers limited fits. A realistic path could keep Smith and Locklear, but the D-backs will also monitor Diaz, Arraez, Muncy and Dominic Smith as potential upgrades or trade fuel.

Hazem’s offseason priorities lean toward payroll discipline and strategic acquisitions rather than a blockbuster swap. Pete Alonso or Paul Goldschmidt reunions aren’t in the cards, while Yandy Díaz and Andrew Vaughn could be targeted if the price is right. In-house candidates like Tim Tawa and Ildemaro Vargas provide fallback options, but the organization will likely balance risk and cost as they shape the 2026 lineup.

Corbin Carroll and Miguel Vargas pace Arizona past the Dodgers on the road, sparking a series-clinching win. Arizona’s rotation—Gallen, Nelson, Crismatt—turned Dodger Stadium into a fortress, while Pavin Smith’s quad strain clouds the lineup. A prospect’s inside-the-park moment and Steven Kwan’s late defensive surge add fantasy context, with Judge and Chapman drawing headlines in other MLB notes.

Crismatt starts for Arizona against Quintana as the Diamondbacks chase a split in Milwaukee. Crismatt has allowed 1 run in 9 innings over two starts since arriving; Quintana sits at 10-4 with a 3.32 ERA and a steady Brewers attack. Corbin Carroll, despite a recent streak ending, remains a hot bat, while Christian Yelich carries a six-game run for Milwaukee. Expect a tight, bullpen-forward duel in a pitcher-friendly park with late-inning fantasy leverage.

Carroll and Yelich are key fantasy focal points, with Carroll offering speed and pop and Yelich steadying Milwaukee’s order. The game’s projected tightness boosts value for back-end arms and platoon matchups, making this a niche, high-skill slate where streaming options and bullpen usage could swing DFS outcomes and bets alike.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s perfect throw from left field erased the tying run in a tense ninth, preserving Arizona’s 3-2 win over Milwaukee as Andruw Monasterio was nailed at second by a blazing relay. Andrew Saalfrank stepped into a high-leverage role and locked down his third save of the month, while Geraldo Perdomo belted his 15th homer and Pavin Smith went 2-for-3 before leaving with quad tightness. Arizona rode defense, timely hitting, and bullpen grit to finish the Brewers series strong.

The D-backs stressed inch-by-inch execution, a message echoed by Lovullo after a series that showcased they won’t fade when the stakes rise. Clean baseball and a resilient bullpen approach carried them through late threats, with the offense contributing steadily as the All-Star break narratives shift toward a sturdier, more leadoff-friendly lineup. Thursday’s finale looms as a test of depth and dugout trust.