Brandon Pfaadt Injury News & Updates

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 postseason, posting a 2.70 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 22 strikeouts across 16.1 innings. The 25-year-old rookie will follow Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly in the D-backs' rotation, and Pfaadt is also in line to start Game 7 of the World Series if necessary.

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 ahead of anticipated rest days. Despite the shorter appearance, Pfaadt still impressed in the strikeout column. He has now pitched to a 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.

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 at home. 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 is at 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.

Pfaadt allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings in Sunday's loss to the Cubs. He struck out four and did not factor in the decision.

Pfaadt entered the game in the third inning after Joe Mantiply and Scott McGough took care of the first two frames. The Cubs immediately greeted Pfaadt with three solo homers in his first inning of work. He settled in and allowed just one more run over the next five frames. He's given up 12 earned runs over his last 13.2 innings (7.90 ERA), bumping his season ERA to 6.25. Pfaadt is currently lined up to face the Cubs at home.

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.

Pfaadt (1-8) allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four over 3.2 innings to take the loss Tuesday versus the Rockies.

Pfaadt had pitched well at times in August, but he's now given up nine runs (eight earned) over 7.2 innings across his last two starts. The rookie right-hander threw just 70 pitches (45 strikes) in Tuesday's poor outing. He's at a 6.27 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 68:24 K:BB through 74.2 innings through 15 starts on the year. Pfaadt is lined up for a road start versus the Cubs over the weekend.

Pfaadt (1-7) allowed six runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out four over four innings, taking the loss Wednesday versus 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.

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 again 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.

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 since he received no 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.

Pfaadt allowed three runs on nine hits and two walks while striking out eight over 5.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Sunday.

Pfaadt was able to avoid taking a loss as the Diamondbacks rallied from behind in the seventh and eighth innings. The rookie right-hander has given up eight runs over 17.1 innings across his three starts in August, and his 20:5 K:BB in that span is a sign that he's starting to get more comfortable in the majors. Pfaadt has a 6.91 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 50:16 K:BB through 54.2 innings across 11 starts this year. He's projected to face the Padres again in his next outing, with that start set to be in San Diego.

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.

Pfaadt (0-5) took the loss Thursday, allowing one run on two hits and one walk over seven innings in a 1-0 loss against the Giants. He struck out seven.

Pfaadt turned in the best start of his young career, generating an absurd 31 called plus swinging strikes on just 84 pitches. The 24-year-old rookie's only blemish came on a Lamonte Wade, Jr. solo shot in the fourth inning, however he didn't receive any run support and was saddle with the loss. In three outings since being recalled from the minors, Pfaadt has posted a 3.42 ERA, 0.82 WHIP and 16:2 K:BB across 18.2 innings. He is currently projected for a tougher matchup against the Dodgers next week.

Pfaadt pitched 5.2 innings against the Mariners on Saturday, allowing three runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out three batters in a no-decision.

Pfaadt gave up a single run in each of the second, third and fourth frames, but Arizona chipped away and eventually took him off the hook for a loss. The rookie righty was pulled with two outs in the fifth, costing him a chance at a second straight quality start. Pfaadt was a popular name in fantasy circles coming into the season, but he's mostly struggled with an 8.20 ERA, 1.63 WHIP and 30:11 K:BB over 37.1 innings on the campaign. He's been a little better in two starts since being recalled from the minors July 22, allowing six runs over 11.2 frames.

Pfaadt is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Mariners in Arizona.

Pfaadt will make a second straight turn through the rotation after he delivered his first career quality start last weekend, when he was called up from Triple-A Reno to make a start in Cincinnati. Though keeping the ball in the yard was once again an issue -- he allowed three home runs -- Pfaadt was otherwise stingy, as he gave up just one more hit and issued no walks while striking out six over six innings. His start against the Reds aside, Pfaadt's body of work in the majors has been unimpressive thus far, as he'll enter Saturday's contest with an 8.81 ERA and 1.64 WHIP over 31.2 innings with the Diamondbacks.

Pfaadt (0-4) took the loss Saturday, allowing three runs on four hits over six innings against the Reds. He struck out six.

Outside of a miserable sixth inning where Pfaadt surrendered back-to-back-to-back homers to TJ Friedl, Matt McLain and Jake Fraley, the 24-year-old turned in a very strong outing. Prior to the string of homers, Pfaadt had retired 16 consecutive batters, a streak dating back to the first inning. Even with the rough ending, Saturday's start marked Pfaadts' first quality start of the season (seven starts) while he also set a season high in strikeouts. Though Pfaadt has been plagued by the long ball in 2023 (3.4 HR/9), Saturday's outing could be a sign of better things to come for the remainder of the campaign.

Pfaadt was recalled by the Diamondbacks on Saturday to start against the Reds.

Pfaadt has failed to turn his prospect pedigree into big-league success thus far, struggling to a 9.82 ERA in six starts. He's only managed to strike out 17.2 percent of opposing batters, well below the 27.1 percent strikeout rate he owns for Triple-A Reno this season. Him figuring out how to put big-league hitters away could be crucial to the Diamondbacks' playoff hopes, as the team now finds themselves in the thick of the wild-card race after falling back to the pack following a hot start. Justin Martinez was optioned to clear space on the roster.

Pfaadt was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Friday, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports.

Pfaadt was hit hard in a spot start with the big-league club Thursday, surrendering six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three batters in a loss to the Rays. The 24-year-old has struggled over six major-league starts this year, compiling an inflated 9.82 ERA and 1.87 WHIP with 21 punchouts over 25.2 frames. Outfielder Dominic Fletcher was called up from Triple-A Reno on Friday and will replace Pfaadt on the Diamondbacks' roster.

Pfaadt (0-3) took the loss Thursday, allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks over two innings against the Rays. He struck out three.

Recalled to make his first start since May 26, Pfaadt struggled against a powerful Rays' offense, surrendering five runs in the third inning without recording an out. The rookie right-hander now has an unsightly 9.82 ERA with a 1.87 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB through six big-league starts (25.2 innings). Pfaadt had continued to show promise at the Triple-A level, though he doesn't appear ready to face major-league lineups yet.

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 major-league introduction in May. The talented 24-year-old had 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.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo confirmed Wednesday that Pfaadt will be called up to start Thursday against the Rays.

Tampa Bay represents a tough initial assignment for the 24-year-old top prospect as he returns to the major-league rotation, but it's looking like he might be in for an extended stay with Merrill Kelly (calf) battling a blood clot. Pfaadt has posted an encouraging 3.16 ERA and 28:5 K:BB in 25.2 innings (five starts) with Triple-A Reno since being optioned back to the minors in late May. He struggled to an 8.37 ERA across his first five major-league starts earlier this year but seemingly has the goods to take full advantage of his second big-league stint.

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 bigs.

Pfaadt is a potential option to help fix the back end of the Arizona's rotation, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Arizona manager Mike Hazen discussed potential options to help the rotation, which 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, which turned to focus of the conversation to Triple-A Reno, where Pfaadt has made four starts since a five-start introduction in MLB. "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.

The Diamondbacks will work with Pfaadt in the minors to correct the issues they spotted during the pitcher's five-start run in the majors, Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic reports. He was sent back to the minors after posting an 8.37 ERA.

Command was the number one issue that haunted Pfaadt in the majors. He didn't miss many bats, gave up too much loud contact and was 15th percentile in strikeout percentage. The club identified a mechanical issue: Pfaadt would transfer his weight too early, causing his arm slot to drop, which led to wavering command. Additionally, the right-hander had heavy usage of his fastball. "I don't know of anybody that lives at 65% fastball rate and is a starting pitcher and gets away with it for six or seven innings," manager Torey Lovullo said. The Diamondbacks viewed that fastball usage as a red flag, but he could get away with it in the minors. Not in the majors, however, where he lost command and patient hitters waited for fastballs over the middle of the plate. Pfaadt will need to correct the mechanical issue and introduce all his pitches.

Pfaadt was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

Pfaadt was one of the games' more hyped pitching prospects over the offseason, but things haven't gone to plan through his first five big-league starts, as his 8.37 ERA indicates. After posting a 31.2 percent strikeout rate in the upper minors over the last two seasons, his strikeout rate dipped to 16.8 percent upon promotion, and he also allowed eight homers in 23.2 innings. Zach Davies returns from an oblique injury to take Pfaadt's spot in the rotation, and the rookie may have to show some improvement in the minors across multiple starts before returning to consideration.

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 in the yard in his first cup of coffee, resulting in an 8.37 ERA through five starts.

Pfaadt (0-2) allowed five runs on eight hits and struck out four over 3.2 innings to take the loss Friday versus the Red Sox.

There's only one silver lining here -- Pfaadt didn't walk a batter for the first time in five starts. The Red Sox got to him for three runs in the second inning, and Enrique Hernandez added a two-run home run in the fourth. Pfaadt has given up five or more runs in three of his outings, and this was his shortest start yet. The 24-year-old right-hander is now at an 8.37 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB through 23.2 innings. Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic suggests this could put Pfaadt's spot in the rotation in jeopardy, and that makes sense with Zach Davies (oblique) nearing a return. If Pfaadt gets another start, it would likely come at home versus the Rockies next week.

Pfaadt did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks over 5.1 innings against Pittsburgh. He struck out three.

Pfaadt made it through his fourth big league start relatively unscathed, with all three earned runs coming on one swing of the bat by Ke'Bryan Hayes, who drilled a bases-loaded triple in the third inning. After giving up 13 runs and six homers in his first two appearances (9.2 innings) Pfaadt has bounced back with four earned runs and one homer allowed over his last two starts (10.1 innings). After touting 218 strikeouts in 167 innings of minor league ball in 2022, fantasy managers who took a shot on the highly-ranked prospect have yet to reap any benefits considering Pfaadt's measly 14:8 K/BB and 7.56 ERA through 20 innings of big league work. Though it's unclear if Pfaadt will make another trip around the Arizona rotation, he remains no more than a dart-throw streaming option for those willing to take another chance on the rookie's strikeout upside and prospect pedigree.

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 Michel 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.

Pfaadt (0-1) took the loss Tuesday versus the Marlins, allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three over five innings.

Pfaadt had trouble with Jorge Soler, who accounted for two home runs and five RBI against the Arizona rookie. That's after Pfaadt gave up four homers in his debut versus the Rangers last Wednesday. The top prospect came to the majors with plenty of hype, but a 12.10 ERA through 9.2 innings suggests he may not quite be ready for the show yet. Manager Torey Lovullo said after Tuesday's game that Pfaadt will get another turn in the rotation, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports. That outing is likely to come over the weekend at home versus the Giants, but it's safe to say Pfaadt could have a short leash if he doesn't get his homer problem under control.

Pfaadt is scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Marlins at Chase Field.

Even though Pfaadt was tagged for seven earned runs on nine hits -- including four home runs -- in his MLB debut last Wednesday at Texas, the Diamondbacks will give one of their top pitching prospects at least one more chance to prove he's worthy of a longer stay in the big-league rotation. Assuming Pfaadt can escape Tuesday's outing with a more credible line than he submitted in his debut, he'll likely receive his second start of the week this upcoming Sunday against the Giants, also at Chase Field. Pfaadt led all minor leaguers with 218 strikeouts in 2022 and never posted a walk rate above 6.5 percent across any of his stops as a professional, so if he can do a better job of limiting damage on flyballs in his future starts, the right-hander's fantasy upside could be immense.

Pfaadt took a no-decision in his major-league debut against the Rangers on Wednesday, allowing seven runs on nine hits with three strikeouts and a walk across 4.2 innings.

The 24-year-old was called up from Triple-A Reno and rocked in his first taste of the big leagues as Texas launched four home runs, including two from Josh Jung. Pfaadt totaled 218 strikeouts across 167 innings between the Double-A and Triple-A levels last year and has major strikeout potential, but he generated just seven swinging strikes versus the Rangers. Assuming he stick sin the rotation, the right-hander tentatively lines up for a matchup with Miami early next week.

The Diamondbacks announced that Pfaadt's contract has been selected from Triple-A Reno ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Rangers at Globe Life Field.

The 24-year-old right-hander will be making his much-anticipated big-league debut in Texas, stepping into a back-end rotation spot for Arizona after the team recently released Madison Bumgarner and optioned Drey Jameson to Triple-A. Pfaadt attracted attention in the minors through his gaudy strikeout rates, as he punched out 218 batters in 167 innings between Reno and Double-A Amarillo in 2022 and has struck out 30 in 25.1 innings thus far in 2023. The strikeout potential Pfaadt brings to the table makes him an intriguing speculative pickup in nearly any league where he might be available on the waiver wire.

The Diamondbacks will call up Pfaadt from Triple-A Reno to start Wednesday's game against the Rangers in Texas, Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic reports.

The writing was on the wall for Pfaadt's promotion when the Diamondbacks listed Wednesday's starter as "TBA" before Piecoro's report confirmed as much. One of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, the 24-year-old right-hander has registered a 3.91 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 30:6 K:BB through 25.1 innings (five starts) this season in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. He tallied 218 strikeouts in 167 innings last season between Double-A Amarillo and Triple-A. The swing-and-miss upside he brings to the table makes Pfaadt a must-add option in the majority of fantasy leagues.