Diamondbacks
The Resurgence of Arizona Diamondbacks Pitcher Brandon Pfaadt
With this team in a playoff race for a Wild Card spot, they certainly need quality, reliable starting pitching. Every game is important from now on.
The resurgence of Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt has been an impressive one. His pitching has helped this team stay in the playoff race. This after a demotion to Triple-A in early June, then being recalled due to injuries to the starting rotation.
Early on
Coming into Spring Training, Pfaadt was in a battle for a starting role. The Diamondbacks had six proven pitchers for five spots. After an early injury to Merrill Kelly, Pfaadt made the rotation as the fifth starter.
Knocked Around
Early on, he struggled and was knocked around, especially in the middle innings. Trouble finding the strike zone and his inability to deal with left-hand batters led to his being moved to the bullpen. After posting an ERA near 6.00 in 13 appearances, he was sent to Reno.
Best Move for Him
Instead of responding with a negative attitude, Pfaadt used the time to refine his six-pitch mix—including more time working on his curveball. That move to Reno turned out to be the best thing for him. It allowed him to regain that form as a starting pitcher.
In his first start at Reno, he pitched three scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and retiring all nine batters. Overall, Pfaadt started three games and had a 1.80 ERA. He regained confidence as a starting pitcher, especially at a stadium that favors hitters and is known as a home run-launching pad.
Back in Big Leagues
The resurgence of Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt is proving effective. He was called back up on June 30 and immediately inserted back into the starting rotation. At the time, both Ryne Nelson and Michael Soroka were on the IL (injured list). Pfaadt quickly turned his season around as a starting pitcher.
Has Been Exceptional
Upon his return, Pfaadt has been exceptional. Currently, he has pitched to a 7-0 record with a 1.15 ERA in nine starts. He has been able to pitch deep into games and has helped a heavily taxed bullpen. He has also provided stability with the starting rotation. With injuries and other starters’ inconsistencies, Pfaadt has become one of the team’s most dependable starters, joining Eduardo Rodriguez.
Consecutive Innings Streak
Pfaadt now owns the third-longest consecutive innings streak without an earned run in the team’s history. Trailing only Zac Gallen and Brandon Webb, Pfaadt is currently at 32 2/3 consecutive innings.
Continues to be Effective
We know that Pfaadt will have a challenging outings and may not maintain a 1.15 ERA. However, the Diamondbacks need him to remain competitive, go deep enough into games, and forget about a bad performance as they look for a playoff spot.
September Race
The resurgence of Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt will be needed in September. With this team in a playoff race for a Wild Card spot, they certainly need quality, reliable starting pitching. Every game is important from now on. If Pfaadt continues to provide quality innings and maintain his dominance, there is no reason this team cannot make a competitive, serious run and find themselves playing October baseball.
Jim Marshall
Jim Marshall has been writing about sports for over 10 years. He started his sports career in radio, co-hosting and producing several sports-talk radio programs in Phoenix. He has covered local, college, and national sports, but specializes in MLB. His articles have appeared in several sports-reporting sites, including our own Legends On Deck. Jim is also a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).
