The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the middle of a series against the Los Angeles Dodgers that may carry more significance than the standings initially suggest.

After splitting the first two games, Arizona is still 6.5 games behind Los Angeles in the National League West. With two more games remaining at Chase Field, the Diamondbacks have an opportunity to tighten the race.

That does not automatically make Arizona the favorite to catch the Dodgers or win a postseason series against them.

But the Diamondbacks have shown enough this season to justify thinking bigger at the trade deadline, especially if they can address a few remaining weaknesses.

One move that makes increasing sense is targeting Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi.

Arizona’s rotation has performed better than many expected, but there are still legitimate questions about whether the current group is built to survive a postseason run.

Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly entered the season as the projected leaders of the staff, yet both currently own ERAs above 5.00.

Eduardo Rodriguez has produced a strong 2.24 ERA, though his 4.54 xERA (Expected ERA) suggests some regression concerns remain.

Michael Soroka has arguably been Arizona’s most effective starter, but there are still questions about whether he profiles as a true front-line arm over the course of a postseason.

That is where Eovaldi becomes an intriguing fit.

His numbers may not immediately stand out because of a few uneven outings, but the broader profile remains strong.

Eovaldi has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six of his 12 starts this season and continues to separate himself with elite strike throwing and the ability to work deep into games.

His biggest selling point may be his postseason résumé.

In 79.2 postseason innings across 17 appearances (12 starts), Eovaldi owns a 3.05 ERA and a 2.84 FIP with 82 strikeouts and 18 walks.

His postseason history includes one of the more memorable outings against the Dodgers, when he threw six innings and allowed one run during an extra-inning World Series game in 2018 with the Boston Red Sox, and he’s won two World Series.

That type of experience could carry additional value for an Arizona team trying to close the gap on established contenders.

There is also the financial side.

At 36 years old, Eovaldi may not command the type of return associated with younger frontline starters if Texas chooses to sell at the deadline.

That could create an opening for Arizona to pursue a veteran upgrade without completely emptying its farm system.

His latest outing showed both the positives and limitations of his profile.

Eovaldi did not factor into the decision Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals after allowing four runs on 11 hits and one walk while striking out seven across six innings.

The 11 hits allowed marked a season high, but there were still encouraging signs.

He generated 14 whiffs and threw 66 of his 93 pitches for strikes while completing six innings for the seventh consecutive start.

For the season, Eovaldi owns a 4.10 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and a 74:17 K:BB in 74.2 innings over 12 starts.

Arizona does not necessarily need another headline-grabbing move.

It may simply need another dependable arm capable of changing the shape of a postseason rotation.

Eovaldi fits that description.

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