PHOENIX — It’s been a rough stretch for the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the frustration is starting to show. What began as a promising start for the team's starting rotation has quickly unraveled, leaving fans restless and searching for answers.

After a tough 2-6 road trip, capped by a sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, the Diamondbacks find themselves in a deep hole. While the offense has had its share of struggles, the real heart of the issue lies on the mound. Over those eight games, the starting rotation posted a staggering 8.10 ERA, surrendering 34 earned runs over 34.1 innings and giving up six home runs, according to StatMuse. That's a recipe for disaster in any ballpark.

This isn't just a bad week—it's becoming a troubling trend. As of now, Arizona's starting staff owns the worst ERA in all of Major League Baseball at 5.42, per MLB.com. For a team with playoff aspirations, that's a red flag that's hard to ignore.

The inconsistency has been widespread. Right-hander Ryne Nelson, who was a steady presence last season, has shown flashes but can't seem to find a rhythm. Meanwhile, the once-formidable duo of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly hasn't delivered the one-two punch fans have come to expect. Even Michael Soroka, who started the year strong, hit a wall in his last outing, surrendering eight earned runs.

One bright spot has been left-hander Eduardo Rodríguez, who currently leads the staff with a solid 3.03 ERA—the only starter under 4.00. But one reliable arm isn't enough to carry a rotation that's struggling this badly.

With the Diamondbacks dropping eight of their last 11 games, the pressure is mounting. If the starting pitching doesn't turn things around soon, the frustration in the desert will only grow louder.