PHOENIX — Opportunity has come again for right-handed pitcher Brandon Pfaadt, as the Arizona Diamondbacks are recalling him from Triple-A Reno to take the mound for Tuesday’s matchup.
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May 12, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) throws during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images
After beginning the season in Arizona’s starting rotation, shifting to the bullpen and spending several weeks rebuilding his workload in Reno, Pfaadt is back in the majors. His return to the starting five comes after injuries to Ryne Nelson and Michael Soroka.
The 27-year-old’s 2026 season has been turbulent. He struggled to find a rhythm as a starter, posting a 5.94 ERA through three starts. Even after being moved to the bullpen for long relief amid an influx of starting pitchers, the right-hander still had trouble finding command and keeping the ball in the park, posting a 5.91 ERA over 21.1 innings in relief.
Sep 6, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) looks towards first during the sixth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Unable to establish himself in the bullpen, Pfaadt was optioned to Triple-A in early June. Despite the move, manager Torey Lovullo said the organization still viewed him as an important part of its future rotation, especially after Corbin Burnes suffered another setback in his rehabilitation.
Pfaadt has rewarded that confidence. In 10 innings with Reno, he posted a 1.80 ERA with seven strikeouts while stretching back out as a starter. He remained on standby until another opportunity in the majors presented itself, and injuries quickly opened the door.
Apr 19, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt against the Toronto Blue Jays at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
With Nelson and Soroka sidelined, the D-Backs once again turn to a pitcher who played a pivotal role during the club’s 2023 National League championship run. Although the next two seasons brought inconsistency, his return provides much-needed rotation depth during an injury-plagued season.
It also offers Arizona fans hope that one of the organization’s homegrown pitchers can rediscover the form that helped carry the Diamondbacks to the World Series. The club’s patience through his struggles reflects its belief that he can still become a valuable part of its long-term plans.
Brandon Pfaadt starting tomorrow, per Torey Lovullo.
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) June 30, 2026
Now, Pfaadt has another opportunity to prove that his journey through the bullpen and Triple-A was not a setback, but the beginning of a turnaround.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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