PHOENIX — Brandon Pfaadt’s return to the Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting rotation came out of necessity, but his latest outings beg the question: Has the right-hander turned a corner?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The early returns suggest he may have.
Jul 18, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) throws against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Recalled from Triple-A Reno after injuries hit the pitching staff, Pfaadt has delivered efficient outings in each of his starts, helping stabilize the rotation. Even if some of those starts haven’t ended in the most ideal fashion, his ability to keep opposing teams from taking control of games has proven valuable for the Diamondbacks.
Since rejoining the rotation on June 30, the right-hander has posted a 2.14 ERA through four starts, all of which have resulted in wins. While he hasn’t consistently worked deep into games, averaging around five innings while making appearances into the sixth, his efficiency has allowed him to keep Arizona in position to win. He has emphasized quick outs and limiting damage rather than chasing strikeouts.
Jul 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) throws during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
Pfaadt is attacking hitters early and working to keep the ball in the ballpark, something he struggled to do at the start of the season. Improved fastball command and a better mix of his secondary pitches have helped keep opponents from stringing together big innings, giving Arizona another reliable option every fifth day.
The sample size remains relatively small, and it’s still too early to say the turnaround is permanent. Before returning to the major leagues, the 27-year-old was enduring one of the toughest stretches of his career, posting a 5.94 ERA in his first three starts and a 5.91 ERA after moving to the bullpen.
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon Pfaadt (32) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals at Chase Field in Phoenix, on July 18, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
However, if Pfaadt can prove he can consistently give the D-Backs quality starts, it could signal that the pitcher once expected to become a stabilizing force in the franchise’s rotation is back on track. His contributions since being recalled have helped Arizona remain in the playoff conversation while several key arms have been sidelined.
Whether Pfaadt has truly turned the corner won’t be known until he sustains this level of success over a longer stretch.
Brandon Pfaadt has won all four of his starts since returning from Triple-A! pic.twitter.com/BIrEJHbmhf
— MLB (@MLB) July 18, 2026
But with the right-hander looking more composed, efficient and in control than he did earlier this season, his return from Triple-A could prove to be a turning point in his career.
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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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