Brandon Pfaadt: Everything you need to know

Pfaadt allowed one run on four hits and two walks while striking out three over 6.1 innings in Sunday's 10-4 loss to Toronto. The results met the definition of a quality start, but Sunday's appearance was Pfaadt's first as a member of the Diamondbacks' bullpen. He gave the club exactly what it needed after starter Ryne Nelson allowed eight runs and retired just one batter. Prior to joining the 'pen, Pfaadt compiled a 5.94 ERA in three starts and was replaced by Merrill Kelly in the rotation.

Pfaadt will transition to the bullpen following the return of Merrill Kelly (back) from the injured list, Jody Jackson of Bally Sports Arizona reports. Pfaadt has struggled mightily to find his footing over his first three starts of the 2026 campaign, as he's given up 11 runs over 16.2 innings of work. He'll search for success as a reliever while Michael Soroka will remain in Arizona's starting rotation going forward.

Pfaadt (0-1) took the loss Saturday, giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits and three walks over six innings as the Diamondbacks fell 4-3 to the Phillies. He struck out six. All four runs off the right-hander crossed the plate in the third inning on back-to-back homers by Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. The outing still qualified as Pfaadt's first quality start of 2026, albeit barely, as he tossed 65 of 101 pitches for strikes. He carries a 5.94 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 11:6 K:BB through 16.2 innings, and with Merrill Kelly (back) close to making his season debut, Pfaadt could get bumped from the rotation.