Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Named starter for Game 3
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Pfaadt will start Game 3 of the World Series on Monday versus the Rangers, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.
After putting up a 5.72 ERA and 1.41 WHIP during the regular season, Pfaadt has seemingly flipped a switch during the playoffs, posting a 2.70 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 22 strikeouts across 16.2 innings. The 25-year-old rookie will follow Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly in the D-backs' rotation, with Pfaadt also in line to start Game 7 of the World Series, if necessary.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Punches out seven in no-decision
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Pfaadt did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's 4-2 victory over the Phillies in Game 7 of the NLCS, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks across four innings. He struck out seven.
Pfaadt once again chained together a successful outing, pitching only four innings in the contest as the team turned things over to the bullpen in a do-or-die game. Despite the shorter appearance, Pfaadt still impressed in the strikeout column. He has now pitched to an 11.9 K/9 in 16.2 postseason innings, compared to a 8.8 mark across 96 regular-season innings. The hope heading into the World Series is that Pfaadt can maintain his newly discovered strikeout gains and continue his postseason success. He has pitched to a 2.70 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 22 strikeouts in those 16.2 playoff innings.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Fans nine in no-decision
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Pfaadt did not factor into the decision in Thursday's 2-1 victory over the Phillies in Game 3 of the NLCS, allowing two hits across 5.2 innings. He struck out nine.
Pfaadt put together his best start of the postseason by far, but the team's offense could not get anything going, leaving him waiting on his first win of the playoffs. The rookie right-hander's success came on the back of his fastball and sweeper, which both were racking up whiffs, allowing him to finish with 17 total swing-and-misses across 70 pitches. So far in the postseason, Pfaadt has pitched to a 2.21 ERA and 0.98 WHIP with 15 strikeouts across 12.2 innings.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Named starter for Game 3
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Pfaadt will start Game 3 of the NLCS on Thursday versus the Phillies, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.
Zac Gallen took the loss in Game 1 on Monday in Philadelphia and Merrill Kelly will try to right the ship for the visiting Diamondbacks in Game 2 on Tuesday. Then it'll be Pfaadt in Game 3 on Thursday as the best-of-seven National League Championship Series moves to Arizona. The 25-year-old rookie right-hander did not face the Phillies during the regular season. He threw 4.1 scoreless innings on just 42 pitches in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Dodgers last Wednesday.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Likely to start NLCS Game 3
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Pfaadt is lined up to start Game 3 of the NLCS on Thursday against the Phillies, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Zac Gallen has been confirmed for Game 1 on Monday in Philadelphia and Merrill Kelly will follow him in Game 2 on Tuesday, then the Diamondbacks will likely turn to Pfaadt for Game 3 as the best-of-seven series shifts to Chase Field in Arizona. The 24-year-old rookie right-hander struggled in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series at Milwaukee before bouncing back to deliver 4.1 scoreless innings in Game 3 of the NLDS versus the Dodgers.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Confirmed for Game 3
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Pfaadt will start Game 3 of the NLDS against the Dodgers on Wednesday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
The D-Backs hinted earlier in the day that Pfaadt was in line to start Game 3, and the club made it official following Monday night's victory. The right-hander will work for a better outcome Wednesday after surrendering three runs on seven hits and a walk in 2.2 frames against Milwaukee in the NL Wild Card Series.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Likely to start Game 3
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Pfaadt is expected to start Game 3 of the NLDS versus the Dodgers on Wednesday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo didn't want to make it official prior to Game 2 on Monday, perhaps in case Pfaadt is needed in an emergency in relief. The rookie right-hander struggled in his start against the Brewers during the NL Wild Card Series, yielding three runs on seven hits and a walk over 2.2 innings.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Starting Game 1
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Pfaadt will start Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Brewers on Sunday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Pfaadt was inconsistent over the final month of the regular season but was effective in his final regular-season start, striking out eight in 5.2 scoreless innings to earn the win over the White Sox. He'll face a tougher test against the Brewers but will have a chance to prove himself in the postseason as the Diamondbacks attempt to gain an early advantage in the series.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Hit hard in loss to Yankees
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Pfaadt (2-9) took the loss Friday, coughing up six runs (five earned) on eight hits over 4.1 innings as the Diamondbacks were downed 7-1 by the Yankees. He struck out eight without walking a batter.
The rookie right-hander tied his career high in strikeouts, firing 58 of 81 pitches for strikes, but once again Pfaadt got lit up -- six of the eight hits off him went for extra bases, including two of Aaron Judge's three homers on the night. Pfaadt has served up 22 home runs through his first 90.1 big-league innings, leading to a 6.08 ERA, and until the 24-year-old learns to keep the ball in the park consistently, he'll be a risky fantasy option despite his strikeout upside. He figures to take the mound one more time before the regular season ends, on the road next week against the White Sox.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Sharp in win over Cubs
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Pfaadt (2-8) allowed four hits and a walk while striking out six over 5.1 scoreless innings to earn the win Friday over the Cubs.
Pfaadt was tagged for four runs, including three home runs, in a road start versus the Cubs on Sunday, but he responded well in the rematch back in Arizona. This was his second scoreless outing of the season, both of which have come in his last six appearances, though he's also given up 15 runs (14 earned) over 31.1 innings in that span. The rookie right-hander has a 5.86 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 78:26 K:BB through 86 innings over 17 appearances (16 starts) this season. He's projected for a road outing against the Yankees next week.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Could follow opener Sunday
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Pfaadt is no longer starting Sunday's game against the Cubs but could pitch behind opener Joe Mantiply, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports.
The Diamondbacks haven't announced their pitching plans beyond Mantiply opening the contest, but Pfaadt is the likely candidate to handle the bulk innings after originally being penciled in to start. The 24-year-old has covered just 7.2 frames and allowed eight earned runs in his past two contests, and working behind an opener could improve his chances of getting into the win column since he won't have to complete five full innings.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Stumbles versus Dodgers
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Pfaadt dropped to 1-7 after allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out four over four innings in Wednesday's 7-0 loss to the Dodgers.
Pfaadt had gotten his season on track in August, but the month ended on a sour note. He gave up two-run home runs to Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward in the third inning, and Max Muncy added a two-run double in the fourth. Pfaadt gave up 16 runs (15 earned) over 33.2 innings across his six starts in August. The rookie is now at a 6.21 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 64:22 K:BB through 71 innings over 14 starts this year. He's tentatively lined up for a home start versus the Rockies next week.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Earns first career win
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Pfaadt (1-6) allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out five over 5.1 innings to earn the win over the Reds on Friday.
Pfaadt gave up one of Nick Martini's two home runs in the game, but it was an otherwise strong outing for the rookie right-hander. Over five starts in August, Pfaadt has yielded 10 runs across 29.2 innings with a 30:9 K:BB. He's now at a 5.91 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 60:20 K:BB through 67 innings across 13 starts, though he's certainly trending in the right direction. He's projected to make his next appearance on the road against the Dodgers.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Turns in best start of season
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Pfaadt allowed a hit and three walks while striking out five over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Friday.
Pfaadt carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning before giving up a double to Juan Soto. Despite the stellar start -- his third quality start in six outings since returning from Triple-A Reno -- the right-hander wasn't able to collect his first major-league win due to a lack of run support. Pfaadt is now at a 6.13 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 55:19 K:BB through 61.2 innings over 12 starts, though his outings have been much more convincing during his second stint in the majors. He's lined up to make his next start at home versus the Reds.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Still looking for first win
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Pfaadt (0-6) allowed four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five over 4.2 innings to take the loss Tuesday versus the Dodgers.
This was the worst of Pfaadt's four starts since returning to the majors in late July, and it's not a surprise given the tough opponent. This was also the first time he walked multiple batters in that span. For the season, he's now at a 7.16 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 42:14 K:BB through 49 innings across 10 starts. Pfaadt could make his next start on normal rest this weekend at home versus the Padres, though it's also possible he draws a road start versus the Rockies next week if Slade Cecconi makes his second career start.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Recalled for start Thursday
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Arizona recalled Pfaadt from Triple-A Reno ahead of his scheduled start Thursday against the Rays.
As expected, Pfaadt is back in the Diamondbacks' rotation as a replacement for Merrill Kelly, who went on the injured list earlier this week due to a blood clot in his right calf. There is no timetable for Kelly's return, so Pfaadt should have an extended chance to strut his stuff and perhaps rebound from his poor five-start introduction to the majors in May. The talented 24-year-old has worked to a promising 3.16 ERA and 28:5 K:BB across 25.2 innings (five starts) with Reno since his May 27 demotion and is worth another look in most fantasy formats.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Could get call Thursday
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Pfaadt could join the Diamondbacks' rotation Thursday versus the Rays, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.
Pfaadt has met up with the team in Arizona and is the likely replacement for Merrill Kelly, who landed on the injured list Tuesday due to a blood clot in his right calf. Pfaadt struggled in his first taste of major-league action back in May, but he's registered a promising 3.16 ERA and 28:5 K:BB in 25.2 innings (five starts) since returning to Triple-A Reno at the beginning of June. Displaying improved command on the farm, the 24-year-old top prospect would be worth another look in most fantasy formats should he get an extended opportunity in the big leagues.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Could help Arizona rotation
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Pfaadt is a potential option to help fix the back end of Arizona's rotation, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.
Arizona GM Mike Hazen discussed potential options to help the rotation, which, outside of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, had a 6.18 ERA over 43 starts heading into Tuesday's loss to the Brewers. The GM noted external options are not likely at this time, as there aren't many sellers given the number of teams still in the mix for the postseason, which turned the focus of the conversation to Triple-A Reno. Pfaadt has made four starts for Aces since a five-start introduction to MLB during May. "His velocity has been good, strike-throwing good, throwing to top of zone well," Hazen said. "He's done a good job. I think with the amount of strikes he throws, he's going to get clipped (for homers) in those environments and probably in the major leagues some." Pfaadt has a 3.86 ERA with 21 strikeouts, five walks and four home runs over his four starts (18.2 innings) at Reno. He allowed three solo homers in his most recent start.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Likely headed to minors
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Pfaadt does not have a locker in the Diamondbacks' clubhouse, which likely means he's been optioned, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.
It would seem several roster moves are imminent. Zach Davies (oblique) is set to return from the injured list and Drey Jameson is said to be with the team, presumably to provide bullpen depth after Pfaadt only went 3.2 innings in Friday's loss. The future is bright for Pfaadt, but he's struggled to keep the ball in the yard in his first cup of coffee, resulting in an 8.37 ERA through five starts.
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Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Solid in no-decision
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Pfaadt allowed one run on one hit and three walks over five frames in Sunday's win over the Giants. He struck out five and did not factor in the decision.
Pfaadt turned in the best start of his MLB career Sunday. The only hit he allowed, a solo shot by Michael Conforto, accounted for the Giants' lone run. Pfaadt coughed up 13 runs in his first two career starts before Sunday's strong performance. His ERA still sits at an unsightly 8.59 with an 11:6 K:BB. Pfaadt's next start is projected to be in Pittsburgh.
