After a failed trade pursuit, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ explosive offense dismantled Casey Mize in his San Diego Padres debut.
The Arizona Diamondbacks entered this year’s MLB trade deadline hoping to strengthen a pitching staff that has dealt with injuries and inconsistency throughout the season.
Ultimately, they were unable to add a starter, a result that disappointed both the fan base and general manager Mike Hazen.
One of the pitchers Arizona reportedly pursued was Detroit Tigers right-hander Casey Mize.
Mize had become one of the most attractive starters available after posting a 2.70 ERA in 86.2 innings over 16 starts with the Tigers this season.
Instead of landing in Arizona, however, Mize was traded to the San Diego Padres, who happened to face the Diamondbacks this week in a pivotal four-game series with significant National League Wild Card implications.
His debut with San Diego did not go as planned.
Although it represented only one start, it was exactly the type of performance Arizona could not have afforded from a pitcher it might have acquired before the deadline.
Diamondbacks spoil Mize’s debut with Padres
The Diamondbacks’ offense erupted in a critical 10-4 victory Wednesday night.
Arizona forced Mize out of the game after just 3.1 innings, tagging him for eight runs on nine hits (one home run).
He struck out one batter and issued three walks during the shortest outing of his season.
As a result, Mize’s ERA climbed from 2.70 to 3.40.
The outing also became his worst start of the 2026 campaign.
There is still every possibility that Mize finishes the season strongly, and the Diamondbacks may eventually wonder what could have happened had they completed a deal to acquire him.
For one night, though, Arizona’s lineup sent a clear message against both a division rival and one of the pitchers it failed to land.
Suspect pitching issue
The Diamondbacks’ need for pitching remains unchanged.
Injuries have forced Arizona to rely heavily on inexperienced starters, while waiting for reinforcements continues to be a risky strategy because of the uncertainty surrounding several key arms.
Veteran Merrill Kelly owns a 4.88 ERA in 120 innings over 21 starts while continuing to battle inconsistent command.
When healthy, Zac Gallen carried the highest ERA among qualified starters at 6.34, another indication of how much the rotation has struggled this season.
Questions also remain elsewhere on the pitching staff.
Ryne Nelson may not be able to fully build back up, Corbin Burnes is not expected to return until September as he recovers from Tommy John surgery and a right shoulder injury.
Even when Burnes is healthy enough to pitch again, there is no guarantee he will immediately return to his previous level of effectiveness.
