Overview
- The Diamondbacks were eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday when Philadelphia clinched the wild card and Arizona lost to the San Diego Padres, ending a season that fell short on the final day.
- Lovullo, the franchise’s winningest manager, said after the loss that he is unsure about returning and declared “I want to be wanted” as his one-year deal expired.
- Team president Derrick Hall publicly praised Lovullo’s handling of this season’s injuries and distractions and said the manager would quickly find work elsewhere if he left the club.
- Several players and insiders voiced support for Lovullo’s clubhouse leadership, with core players saying they want him back even as questions swirl about on-field results.
- With three straight late-season near-misses since 2024, the club is expected to announce a decision soon and that choice could trigger a broader evaluation of GM Mike Hazen and the team’s roster strategy.