Snakes Territory: An Arizona Diamondbacks Podcast

The Diamondbacks had seemingly pulled off an impressive comeback against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, but the Rangers then gave them a taste of their own medicine in the bottom of the ninth. Paul Sewald blew his first save of 2026 as the D-backs ultimately fell, 6-5. What went wrong for Sewald in the ninth? We also discuss the offense struggling to come through with runners in scoring position before finally breaking through in the ninth. Other takeaways from the series include Corbin Carroll having better at-bats, Michael Soroka continuing his strong season and Zac Gallen once again struggling to get swing-and-miss. Finally, we discuss the D-backs trading Alek Thomas to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the upcoming series against the Colorad Rockies. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on this live postgame edition of Snakes Territory. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount. 🌶️See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Diamondbacks secured their first series win since mid-April on Sunday, beating the Mets 5-1 behind another dominant outing by Eduardo Rodriguez that saw him pitch into the ninth inning. What made E-Rod so effective? And why didn't Torey Lovullo let him finish the game? Plus, Ryan Waldschmidt had an excellent game, driving in three of the Diamondbacks' five runs and making a spectacular catch at the wall in left field. Finally, we answer your mailbag questions on the bullpen, upcoming roster decisions, potential call-ups and more. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. Go to HelloFresh.com/FT10FM now to Get 10 Free Meals + a Free breakfast for Life! One per box with active subscription. Free meals applied as a discount on the first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merrill Kelly looked (mostly) like his old self on Saturday, tossing seven innings of one-run ball as the Diamondbacks snapped their three-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over the New York Mets. What worked so well for Kelly, particularly as the game went on? Offensively, it was another quiet day, but Ildemaro Vargas' two-run single in the third proved to be enough. How concerned should we be overall about the D-backs' offense? And what have we learned about Ryan Waldschmidt after his first two big-league games? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers for this live postgame edition of Snakes Territory. 🌶️See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the offense in a funk, the Diamondbacks are calling up top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt to see if he can provide a boost. In a corresponding move, they designated outfielder Alek Thomas for assignment. What has allowed Waldschmidt to rise so rapidly through the Diamondbacks' farm system? And what should we expect from him in the majors? Plus, why did the D-backs designated Thomas for assignment instead of optioning him to Triple-A? We discuss all angles of Friday's roster moves in this live emergency edition of the podcast. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Soroka did their part against the Pittsburgh Pirates this week, but the Diamondbacks lost yet another series as the offense mustered only seven hits in the final two games. How concerning is Ketel Marte's slow start? Meanwhile, Rodriguez turned in perhaps his best start as a Diamondback. What worked so well for him on Tuesday? Also, we explore Ryne Nelson adding a new pitch to his arsenal and a wave of roster decisions coming up as Carlos Santana nears return from injury. Finally, we preview the upcoming series against the New York Mets. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. 🌶️See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Diamondbacks got swept by the Chicago Cubs, and all eyes are on a starting pitching staff that now has the worst ERA in baseball. Are there reasons to be hopeful that the D-backs' pitching staff can turns its season around? We dive in to the rest-of-season projections for D-backs pitchers, including starters, relievers and some of their minor-league depth. Plus, we discuss a recent trend of bad first innings. Can Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll shake their current slumps? We also preview the upcoming series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicago Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga blanked the Diamondbacks for seven innings as the D-backs dropped their fourth game in their past five and moved to 2-5 on their road trip. Why did the D-backs struggle so much against Imanaga, and why didn't Gabriel Moreno pinch hit in the seventh? Meanwhile, D-backs starter Ryne Nelson took a big step in the right direction. Will he need to use his secondary stuff more to succeed moving forward? We also discuss whether Alek Thomas' leash is getting short after a big defensive mistake in Friday's game, how the team will handle Carlos Santana's return and more. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on this live postgame edition of Snakes Territory. 🌶️See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Diamondbacks dropped two of three to the Brewers in Milwaukee, and the two losses were about as ugly as it gets. D-backs pitchers allowed a total of 28 runs in the series, with Merrill Kelly, Michael Soroka and the since-demoted Andrew Hoffmann all allowing big crooked numbers. Is there any hope for the D-backs struggling pitching staff? Meanwhile, Ildemaro Vargas' historic hit streak lives on, and Nolan Arenado's big home run on Tuesday highlighted a strong recent run offensively. We also discuss the D-backs adding Philip Abner as a left-handed reliever and previewing the upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount. 🌶️See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Down 7-1 to the San Diego Padres in the sixth inning on Sunday, the Diamondbacks stormed back to win one of the more memorable games in recent years. Of course, Ildemaro Vargas had a central role to play, notching three extra-base hits and driving in four runs on his way to winning NL Player of the Week. Meanwhile, Ryne Nelson had not other rough outing, and several D-backs have gone down with injury, most recently Adrian Del Castillo. How soon should we expect him back? We also preview the Diamondbacks' series against the Milwaukee Brewers and check in on the NL standings one month into the season. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Diamondbacks notched an early 4-0 lead over the San Diego Padres in Mexico City, but a brutal seventh inning ultimately led to a 6-4 loss. Was Torey Lovullo late to remove a struggling Brandon Pfaadt from the game? Was Taylor Clarke the right man for the job? Plus, we have injury updates on Geraldo Perdomo and Zac Gallen, both of whom exited the game early. We also discuss Alek Thomas hitting a two-run homer and Jose Fernandez turning in another solid performance. Finally, we preview Sunday's finale with Ryne Nelson and Michael King on the mound. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on a live postgame edition of Snakes Territory.  Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diamondbacks closer Paul Sewald gave up a three-run home run in the ninth inning as the Diamondbacks lost their series to the Chicago White Sox on Thursday. Is it time for the D-backs to stop using Sewald in non-save situations? Plus, we discuss our takeaways from the series, from Merrill Kelly continuing to struggle after returning to injury to Ildemaro Vargas hitting non-stop home runs to a D-backs pitching staff that has regressed significantly in recent days. We also talk about Nolan Arenado and Geraldo Perdomo turning their seasons around. Finally, we preview the Diamondbacks’ upcoming Mexico City Series against the San Diego Padres. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/FOUL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diamondbacks right-hander Ryne Nelson recorded all of one out in his Sunday outing against the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing eight runs in a lackluster D-backs loss. Meanwhile, Brandon Pfaadt delivered 6 1/3 solid innings out of the bullpen. Is it too early to wonder if Nelson's rotation spot is in jeopardy? We also discuss Corbin Carroll leaving Sunday's game early, and our expectations for when Gabriel Moreno will return to the lineup. Plus, we do deep dives on the D-backs' pitching staff, and a plethora of minor leaguers, including Ryan Waldschmidt, LuJames Groover and more. Finally, we preview the upcoming series against the Chicago White Sox. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers for another edition of Snakes Territory. If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Diamondbacks secured their fourth straight win on Saturday, beating the Toronto Blue Jays in large part because of a go-ahead grand slam by Corbin Carroll in the bottom of the eighth inning. We discuss Carroll's stellar start to the season amid hamate surgery. We also discuss Zac Gallen's 5 2/3 solid innings, and yet another game of zeros for an emerging Diamondbacks bullpen. Plus, outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. made his return to the Diamondbacks after recovering from a torn ACL in just 7 1/2 months. Finally, we discuss Geraldo Perdomo's up-and-down game and set the table for Sunday's series finale against Toronto. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers for another live postgame edition of Snakes Territory. One thing to pack, five ways to power!  One thing to pack, five ways to power! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code FOUL at Ridge.com/FOUL #RidgepodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Diamondbacks played another dramatic, back-and-forth game on Wednesday — and once again, they came out on top. Adrian Del Castillo hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the 10th inning that put them out in front, and the bullpen was solid once again. Meanwhile, Ildemaro Vargas has assembled one of the best starts ever by a Diamondbacks hitter. Plus, we discuss Eduardo Rodriguez battling through some location mistakes, and Merrill Kelly limiting damage in his season debut. Finally, we discuss injury updates, the upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays and our overall takeaways from the road trip. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. One thing to pack, five ways to power! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code FOUL at Ridge.com/FOUL #RidgepodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite leading the Orioles 7-1 midway through the sixth inning, the Diamondbacks' bullpen then allowed eight unanswered runs (one inherited from starter Ryne Nelson), ultimately leading to a 9-7 loss. Should Torey Lovullo have left Ryne Nelson in to finish the sixth inning instead of going to Taylor Rashi? We discuss Lovullo's controversial decision, and how Pete Alonso, Jeremiah Jackson and other Orioles hitters got the best of the D-backs' bullpen.  Plus, we talk positives from the game — including two home runs each from Nolan Arenado and Ketel Marte — and Nelson turning in another solid start. We also discuss the news that Rashi is being sent down to Reno and Brandon Pfaadt is transitioning to the bullpen. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers for another live postgame edition of Snakes Territory. Go to HelloFresh.com/FT10FM now to Get 10 Free meals + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box. Free meals applied as a discount on the first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Must order the 3rd box by May 31st, 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things couldn't have started much worse for the Diamondbacks against the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, but once again the offense came storming back and the bullpen locked down another comeback win.  We discuss Jose Fernandez, Ketel Marte and other key contributors in the Diamondbacks' five-run fifth inning. We also discuss Michael Soroka looking excellent the rest of his outing, and the bullpen whiffing a whole bunch of Phillies hitters to close the door. Finally, we give the latest on Gabriel Moreno, who left Friday's game early. Plus, we talk about what's next for Merrill Kelly, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and others as they work back from injury. Is Soroka really going to move to the bullpen when Kelly returns? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers for another live postgame edition of Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diamondbacks lefty Eduardo Rodriguez pieced together his third consecutive stellar outing on Thursday — and this time, the offense backed him up. With four runs in the seventh and three in the eighth, the D-backs secured a series win over the New York Mets in Queens. What clicked for the D-backs in the later innings? Is the offense finally clicking? We discuss observations of Jose Fernandez, Gabriel Moreno, Ildemaro Vargas and other key contributors. We also discuss what worked so well for Rodriguez as he tosses six innings of one-run ball. Finally, we look ahead to the Diamondbacks' upcoming series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers for another live postgame edition of Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Diamondbacks grabbed a 3-2 lead in the middle innings against the Mets on Tuesday, but the bats went silent late and Paul Sewald coughed up the winning run on a Ronny Mauricio RBI single in the bottom of the 10th. We discuss another lackluster showing from the offense, and whether Sewald should have issued an intentional walk to set up a double play in the 10th. We also discuss Zac Gallen battling through five innings despite shaky command. Meanwhile, the D-backs made several roster moves as Carlos Santana hits the injured list. Should they have called up Ryan Waldschmidt instead of Luken Baker? And how important is Ryne Nelson's start on Wednesday? Could the D-backs move him out of the rotation when Merrill Kelly comes back? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers for another live postgame edition of Snakes Territory. Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Soroka assembled a second straight solid outing and Jose Fernandez laid down a perfect bunt as the D-backs beat the Atlanta Braves on Saturday by a final score of 2-1. What has worked so well for Soroka in the early going? Will manager Torey Lovullo start playing Fernandez more often? We also discuss the D-backs' recent offense woes. What has gone wrong? And how will the D-backs replace recently injured Jordan Lawlar? Plus, Eduardo Rodriguez was fantastic once again on Friday night. Is the E-Rod from a few years ago back? Finally, we discuss Ketel Marte's reaction to reaching 10 years of major league service. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on another live postgame edition of Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Diamondbacks completed a three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday behind six scoreless innings from Zac Gallen and a Corbin Carroll home run against Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. What worked so well for Gallen on Wednesday? Is the lack of swing-and-miss through two starts concerning? Is Corbin Carroll on the verge of becoming an NL MVP frontrunner? We also discuss an impressive run by the D-backs bullpen, Jose Fernandez's slick double play and Nolan Arenado and Carlos Santana struggling offensively. Finally, we preview the upcoming series against the Atlanta Braves. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was a night to remember for Diamondbacks rookie Jose Fernandez. He went 3-for-4 with a pair of home runs in his major league debut, including a go-ahead, three-run shot against Kenley Jansen that led the D-backs to a thrilling comeback win over the Detroit Tigers. How did Fernandez burst on the scene so quickly? How often should we expect to see him in the lineup moving forward? We also discuss Brandon Pfaadt's uneven season debut and look ahead to what could be a very difficult rotation decision between Pfaadt and Michael Soroka. Finally, we discuss the latest injury updates on Adrian Del Castillo, Merrill Kelly, Corbin Burnes and more. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers for another live postgame edition of Snakes Territory. Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the third consecutive day, an early Diamondbacks lead got away. On Saturday, Dodgers catcher Will Smith launched a go-ahead, two-run home run in the eighth inning against Juan Morillo, helping the Dodgers to a 3-2 win and a series sweep. We discuss Eduardo Rodriguez building off his stellar World Baseball Classic outing with a solid performance on the mound. We also discuss the Diamondbacks offense going silent in the later innings of every game in the series. Did this series change how we view the D-backs' bullpen? Are the baserunning mistakes here to stay? And what did we make of Ryne Nelson's season debut on Friday? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers live on another live postgame edition of Snakes Territory. Enjoy 50% off for life plus Free Shipping AND 3 Free Gifts at MenGoToMars.com. Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What appeared to be a Zac Gallen Opening Day gem turned south in the fifth inning as Andy Pages launched a three-run homer, giving the Dodgers that they never lost. Things only got uglier from there as the Dodgers added five more runs while the Diamondbacks' bats fell silent against Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Dodgers' bullpen. What went wrong for Gallen in the fifth? Was anything different from last year? Meanwhile, the D-backs made multiple costly baserunning mistakes, and the offense mustered only one hit after Geraldo Perdomo's two-run homer in the fourth. We also discuss the positives, from a Jordan Lawlar double to a clearly improved infield defense. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers for this live postgame edition of Snakes Territory. Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opening Day 2026 is nearly upon us, and the Diamondbacks have made their final roster decisions. How will it work not having a lefty in the bullpen? Does Joe Ross really deserve a spot? We also make predictions for the 2026 season, including win total, team MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Minor League Player & Pitcher of the Year. We finish by each making one bold prediction. Finally, we preview the Diamondbacks' opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with a look at pitching matchups and several key narratives. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory. Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount. Buy Snakes Territory merch: http://snakesterritoryshop.com/.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opening Day is only a few days away, but the Diamondbacks still have several roster decisions to make, including three bullpen spots and a couple of bench spots. Who are the top candidates? And why did the team choose to option newly acquired right-hander Kade Strowd? We also dive in to the Diamondbacks' freshly announced starting rotation, with Ryne Nelson set to start the second game of the year. Is Nelson poised to reach new heights in 2026? We also discuss Brandon Pfaadt's strong spring training as he looks to get his sweeper back on track. Finally, we discuss several spring training standouts, including Alek Thomas and Jorge Barrosa. Could this be Thomas' breakout season? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Diamondbacks' latest injury scare involved catcher Gabriel Moreno. Is it possible he misses time with forearm tightness? We also discuss the latest on Merrill Kelly and Jack's observations of Saturday's game against the Giants. Then, we dive into your mailbag questions. Do the D-backs have enough to pitching to make the playoffs? Is it possible that they could still add to the bullpen? Is Paul Sewald's uptick in velocity sustainable? We also discuss whether Alek Thomas could be on the trade block, Lourdes Gurriel Jr's role once he returns from injury and more. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. Start your 7-day free trial today at https://FOXOne.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Zac Gallen set to make his fourth consecutive Opening Day start for the Diamondbacks, how will the team's remaining starting pitchers line up after him? We investigate possible scenarios, and look back on Gallen's past Opening Day starts in Arizona. Meanwhile, Corbin Carroll played in a Cactus League game, and we make our next attempt at projecting the Opening Day roster. Is the bench effectively decided at this point? How many spots are up for grabs in the bullpen? We discuss our thoughts on Drey Jameson, Andrew Hoffmann, Kade Strowd and other relievers who appear to be on the roster bubble. Finally, with temperatures expected to reach triple digits next week, how are the Diamondbacks preparing? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a rough few years for the Diamondbacks' Jordan Lawlar, but are his stellar spring training numbers a sign of good things to come? We discuss Lawlar's Cactus League performance on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks recently reassigned Ryan Waldschmidt to minor league camp. Did service time manipulation play a role? We also discuss the latest on the World Baseball Classic — with Team USA now in a precarious position after losing to Team Italy — and injury updates on Corbin Carroll and Merrill Kelly. Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount. Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Torey Lovullo had positive injury updates on both Corbin Carroll and Merrill Kelly entering the weekend, with Carroll already participating in live BP and Kelly having successfully thrown a bullpen. Could both be ready to go by Opening Day? We also discuss how D-backs have fared in World Baseball Classic action, including Druw Jones with the Netherlands, Ketel Marte & Geraldo Perdomo with the Dominican Republic and Yu-Min Lin with Taiwan. Finally, we discuss the Diamondbacks' bullpen role competition. Is Paul Sewald really the frontrunner for the closing role? Could Drey Jameson be a candidate? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on another edition of Snakes Territory. Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longtime Diamondbacks outfielder David "Freight Train" Peralta joins the show to discuss his decision to retire from baseball, how Dave McKay made him a Gold Glover, repping Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic in 2023 and much more. We also discuss the latest D-backs spring training storylines, from Merrill Kelly's injury status to Ryan Waldschmidt's chances of making the Opening Day roster to Jordan Lawlar flashing the leather in center field. Plus, we cover a recent report about the team selling a minority stake to Denver Broncos owner Rob Walton. Join Jesse Friedman, Jack Sommers and special guest David Peralta on Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Merrill Kelly now expected to miss Opening Day and right-handers Cristian Mena and Brandon Pfaadt also added to the injury report, the Diamondbacks' once solid pitching depth already seems to be wearing thin. What's the latest on each of the D-backs' injured pitchers? Who could step up in their place? And who will start Opening Day in place of Kelly? Meanwhile, Zac Gallen and Eduardo Rodriguez made their first starts of the spring, and Jose Fernandez is among the few youngsters in camp who are standing out. Could Fernandez make the Opening Day roster? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One week after being named the Diamondbacks' Opening Day starter Diamondbacks, Merrill Kelly felt a lower back injury while throwing a bullpen. What's the latest on his status? Meanwhile, we discuss Jordan Lawlar's strong start and answer your mailbag questions about Ryan Waldschmidt's chances of making the team, Drey Jameson logging impressive metrics on his fastball, Alek Thomas' mechanical adjustment and much more. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on this edition of Snakes Territory. Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory  Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Cactus League nearly under way, we make our second attempt at projecting the Diamondbacks' 2026 Opening Day roster. Will Corbin Carroll be ready to go? Who will be the odd man out in the rotation if all starting pitchers are healthy? We dive in to all these questions, including comments from Michael Soroka on the starter competition. Plus, how has Jordan Lawlar looked so far in the outfield? And who are the candidates for the final bullpen and bench spots? Finally, we are joined by D-backs pitching prospect Hayden Durke, who discusses his experience so far in big-league camp, his pitch arsenal and what he's looking to accomplish in 2026. Join Jesse Friedman, Jack Sommers and special guest Durke on this edition of Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For a third consecutive offseason, the Diamondbacks and managing general partner Ken Kendrick turned heads by spending more than expected. Why did Ken feel the desire to do it again with the signing of Zac Gallen? And what does Ken make of the Los Angeles Dodgers still having a payroll that is twice as high as his own?  In their annual spring training presser, Kendrick and President Derrick Hall also gave an update on Chase Field repairs, with a new center field scoreboard already installed and HVAC repairs on the way. Plus, Torey Lovullo named his Opening Day starter, Gallen talked about returning to Arizona and we have new information on which relievers are candidates for the closer role. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on a packed edition of Snakes Territory. Our listeners get 15% off plus free shipping when they buy two or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/FOUL — using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #adSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Diamondbacks continued their trend of reunions on Friday by reportedly agreeing to terms with right-hander Zac Gallen on a rare, deferral-laden one-year contract. In this emergency episode, we react to the news and explain why Gallen’s market fell as far as it did. Also, who will start Opening Day? Which D-backs starter will get bumped from the rotation as a result of this? And is another move on the horizon as the D-backs look to find another utility player after trading Blaze Alexander? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on this live edition of Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a surprising turn of events, the Diamondbacks are reportedly reuniting with former closer Paul Sewald on a one-year contract. What does Sewald realistically have left in the tank? Could we possibly see him in the closer role? In other news, Corbin Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone a live BP session on Tuesday. What's the timeline for Carroll's return, and who could step up in his place? Finally, we revisit Zac Gallen's market with the Baltimore Orioles now presumably out of the running. Are the D-backs still showing interest? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Baseball is back! ...But the mood was dampened a bit because left-handed reliever Andrew Saalfrank recently underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Who will replace Saalfrank on the roster? And how will the D-backs approach the closer role? Meanwhile, we get injury updates on a range of other players, including Corbin Burnes, Justin Martinez, AJ Puk and Tyler Locklear. Could Puk be back before the All-Star break? Finally, the D-backs made the Carlos Santana signing official. General manager Mike Hazen spoke with the media about what he liked about Santana, how much Santana will play and more. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on a spring training edition of Snakes Territory! Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday afternoon, the Diamondbacks traded utility man Blaze Alexander to the Baltimore Orioles for an intriguing young reliever in right-hander Kade Strowd and a pair of prospects. How has Strowd looked in his young major-league career, and what is there to like about prospects Wellington Aracena and Jose Meija? On the flip-side, how are the Diamondbacks going to manage without Alexander in the infield? What does this mean for Jordan Lawlar, Tim Tawa, Ildemaro Vargas and others? Will the D-backs need to backfill externally? Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers break down all angles of the deal in the latest episode of Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months of conversations about a Paul Goldschmidt reunion, the Diamondbacks instead signed Carlos Santana to a one-year deal on Tuesday. What type of player was Santana in 2025, and does he have anything left in the tank as he enters his age-40 season? Would the D-backs be better off leaning on their young players? Meanwhile, Zac Gallen spoke publicly about a possible reunion with the Diamondbacks. Could that be the team's next move? What about the bullpen? Finally, we take a look at Fangraphs' projected standings and set the record straight about a new Ketel Marte trade rumor. Join Jesse Friedman and special guest Alex D'Agostino on Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When speaking with the media at the Diamondbacks' charity golf event, President & CEO Derrick Hall said the team still has moves to make this offseason. Hall talked about which positions the team is targeting, and how ownership could get creative to make a 'splash' in the final weeks of the offseason. Meanwhile, the team also released its 2026 Spring Training roster on Friday. We discuss which top prospects made the list of non-roster invitees and dive in to the team's recent signing of reliever Derek Law.  Finally, did "The Shredder" sell Geraldo Perdomo short by ranking him as the No. 6 shortstop in baseball? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to multiple reports, the Diamondbacks have interest in bring back right-hander Zac Gallen. How much would it take to bring Gallen back, and can the D-backs actually afford it? Would it make sense if they could? Meanwhile, general manager Mike Hazen spoke publicly about why he hasn’t acquired a high-leverage reliever this offseason. Does the reasoning check out? Finally, we discuss Nolan Arenado’s willingness to play first base and the D-backs’ reps in the latest top 100 prospect rankings. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With spring training now just a few weeks away, the Diamondbacks are still looking to add, according to a new report from Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro. Gambo mentions the D-backs pursuing a reliever via trade as well as a free agent first baseman. If the D-backs were to trade for a reliever, who from the major league roster could be dealt? And why were the D-backs not suitors for starting pitchers Freddy Peralta or MacKenzie Gore?  We also make our first Opening Day roster projection and take a look at MLB's top 100 players list. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Diamondbacks continue to be linked to veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, but is there a hangup with a possible reunion? We discuss the pros and cons of Goldy returning to the desert. Speaking of reunions, we react to the the D-backs' one-year deal with right-hander Taylor Clarke. Clarke had an impressive 2025 season with the Royals and we explain why he could be a steal for the D-backs. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed superstar outfielder Kyle Tucker, sparking a league-wide debate over MLB's competitive balance challenges. Does MLB need a salary cap? Plus, we take a look at how Zac Gallen's market has yet to take shape. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. Quit overspending on wireless with 50% off Unlimited premium wireless. Plans start at $15/month at MintMobile.com/Territory See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former NL West foe is joining the Diamondbacks. The D-backs acquired third baseman Nolan Arenado and cash considerations from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for pitching prospect Jack Martinez. What should we expect from Arenado at this stage in his career? What do the D-backs hope to get from him and how will this affect Jordan Lawlar and Blaze Alexander? We also discuss the D-backs signing right-handed pitcher Jonathan Loaisiga to a minor-league deal. Could Loaisiga ascend to D-backs closer? What type of move should we expect to see the D-backs make next? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Alex Bregman inking a reported five-year contract with the Cubs, we revisit whether Bregman to the D-backs ever made sense. Could the Diamondbacks have matched the offer? Meanwhile, the D-backs made their first notable trade of the offseason, sending Jake McCarthy to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for a pitching prospect. We reflect on McCarthy's tenure in Arizona and explain why the return for him was seemingly light. Finally, the reliever market continues to move, so we take a look at who is still available in free agency and trade. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After multiple months of ongoing trade rumors, the Diamondbacks made it clear to the baseball world on Friday that they are no longer considering a trade of Ketel Marte. What does this mean for the team's pursuit of Alex Bregman? And why did it take so long for the team to put these trade discussions to bed? We also discuss the Diamondbacks' remaining offseason needs, with a particular focus on the bullpen. Aside from Seranthony Dominguez, what low-cost options are still available in free agency? Finally, we discuss the team settling with all eight of its arbitration eligible players. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the rumors surrounding Ketel Marte and Alex Bregman, the Diamondbacks' offseason has been eerily quiet for several weeks. Could general manager Mike Hazen be plotting something big that we're not considering? Long-time D-backs beat writer Steve Gilbert joins the show to discuss. Were the D-backs really serious about moving on from Marte trade talks? How does Ken Kendrick's evolution as owner impact the team's Bregman pursuit? And how will the D-backs go about adding to their bullpen this offseason with so few options available in free agency? Join Jesse Friedman and special guest Steve Gilbert on this episode of Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this packed mailbag episode, we take a big-picture look at the Diamondbacks' offseason to date. Was signing Michael Soroka so early a mistake? Among the free agents that are still available, which make the most sense for the D-backs? When it comes to Alex Bregman, is his involvement in the Houston Astros cheating scandal from 2017 an issue? We also discuss positions for Jordan Lawlar and Blaze Alexander, the Opening Day lineup/rotation and which prospects have the best shot at contributing in 2026. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After briefly discussing the latest Ketel Marte news, we take a look at what ZiPS and STEAMER projections tell us about the 2026 Arizona Diamondbacks. Will Corbin Carroll leap into the MVP conversation? Is Jordan Lawlar actually much better than his MLB numbers to date? Could Cristian Mena actually be among the D-backs' most effective starters in 2026? Is the bullpen better than we thought? Along the way, we discuss comps for several D-backs players and explain why ZiPS/STEAMER are actually quite high on the D-backs heading into next year. Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a stunning report from local radio host Dan Bickley, Alex Bregman to the Diamondbacks is a "done deal." We break down what Bickley said and what it means for a potential Ketel Marte trade. Would Bregman be willing to take a discount to come to Arizona? Meanwhile, Pete Fairbanks has signed with the Miami Marlins. Can the D-backs still get a closer this offseason? How should we interpret Gambo's report that the D-backs will find a "bridge closer?" Finally, the D-backs have reportedly shown interest in Japanese corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto. What would he bring to Arizona? Join Jesse Friedman and Jack Sommers on Snakes Territory. Two easy ways to support the show: Leave us a sweet rating/review here and SUBSCRIBE to Snakes Territory on YouTube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.