The Arizona Diamondbacks wrapped up their regular season in commanding fashion, securing an 11-2 win over the San Diego Padres on Sunday. However, despite the impressive victory, their postseason fate remains uncertain. With 89 wins—an improvement over last season’s total of 84—the Diamondbacks have no control over their destiny. Instead, their playoff hopes hinge on the results of a pivotal doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets on Monday.

How Monday’s Doubleheader Decides the Diamondbacks’ Fate

Arizona’s path to the postseason depends on Monday’s results in Atlanta. A sweep by either the Braves or the Mets will secure the Diamondbacks the final National League Wild Card spot and send them to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the Wild Card Series. But if the teams split the doubleheader, both Atlanta and New York will clinch postseason berths, ending Arizona’s season.

“It’s hard, but it’s not,” Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll said. “We finished with 89 wins. That should be seen as an improvement. But of course, we’d rather have control of our own fate. Now, we wait and see what happens.”

Late-Season Collapse Hurts Diamondbacks’ Playoff Chances

The Diamondbacks find themselves in this position largely because of a disastrous final week of the regular season. After positioning themselves well for a postseason spot, Arizona lost five of their last seven games. The most devastating loss came against the Milwaukee Brewers, where the Diamondbacks blew an 8-0 lead and fell 10-9. That gut-wrenching defeat, followed by losses to the Giants and Padres, severely damaged their playoff chances.

Reflecting on the missed opportunities, manager Torey Lovullo didn’t shy away from the truth. “We made this bed, we’ve got to sleep in it,” he admitted. “The missed chances go back as far as our opening road series in Atlanta. We were swept in three games there, and that put us behind in the tiebreaker against the Braves.”

Because the Diamondbacks lost tiebreakers to both the Braves and Mets, they’re now at the mercy of Monday’s results to determine if their season continues.

“We put ourselves in this position,” Lovullo added. “I don’t want this season to end. I’m not ready to say goodbye.”

Offense Explodes in Regular-Season Finale

Despite the uncertain postseason outlook, the Diamondbacks’ offense finished strong. In their 11-2 rout of the Padres, Arizona’s hitters erupted for 16 hits, including seven extra-base hits. A massive six-run fourth inning, highlighted by Ketel Marte’s towering two-run home run, set the tone for the blowout.

Eugenio Suárez also made a statement, launching his 30th home run and driving in his 100th RBI during the game. His second-half resurgence was key to the team’s offense. “Thirty homers and 100 RBIs is something I worked hard for,” Suárez said. “After struggling in the first half of the season, I’m proud of how I turned it around.”

Brandon Pfaadt Delivers Strong Performance on the Mound

On the pitching side, right-hander Brandon Pfaadt stepped up in a high-pressure situation, limiting the Padres to just two runs (one earned) over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out nine batters, showcasing his poise despite dealing with back tightness. “It stiffened up a bit on me, but I’ll be ready for the next start, whether that’s in the postseason or next season,” Pfaadt assured.

Reliever Ryne Nelson sealed the victory, pitching three scoreless innings in his first outing since recovering from shoulder inflammation. His solid relief appearance helped the Diamondbacks close out the regular season on a positive note, keeping their playoff hopes alive for another day.

Diamondbacks Brace for Tense Monday Doubleheader

Now, the Diamondbacks are in waiting mode. They plan to gather at Chase Field on Monday, watching the Braves-Mets doubleheader unfold as they wait for their fate to be decided. Their bags are packed, and they are prepared to fly to Milwaukee if a sweep by either team sends Arizona into the postseason.

“It’s going to be nerve-wracking for sure,” said outfielder Jake McCarthy. “I don’t even know if I want to watch the first game. It all comes down to the second one.”

Diamondbacks Eager to Prove Themselves in the Postseason

Despite the anxiety surrounding Monday’s results, the Diamondbacks are confident that if they can reach the postseason, they will be a tough team to face. Arizona’s offense, which led the league in runs scored with 886, combined with their strong defense, makes them a dangerous opponent for any team in October.

“Everybody knows we are a dangerous team,” shortstop Geraldo Perdomo said. “If we have the opportunity to clinch, they have to be ready for us.”

Lovullo shares that optimism and stresses that the team is still fighting for their fans. “We want to win for this entire state,” he said. “We know what’s at stake.”

As the Diamondbacks prepare for the uncertainty of Monday’s doubleheader, they reflect on a season filled with highs and lows. While they wait for the outcome, they remain hopeful that their 89-win season can propel them into another shot at October baseball. For now, all they can do is watch—and hope.