PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt made his first appearance since getting moved to the bullpen on Sunday at Chase Field.
It did not come in ideal circumstances with the Diamondbacks trailing the Toronto Blue Jays 9-1, but the blowout provided bulk innings for Pfaadt as the club works out what his role will be.
Pfaadt pitched well, delivering 6.1 innings with one run, as he efficiently kept the game from getting into position-player-pitching range. Arizona lost 10-4 but only had to use two relievers after starter Ryne Nelson recorded one out.
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With Merrill Kelly returning this past week from the injured list, the D-backs decided to move Pfaadt to the bullpen, a new experience for him with one career relief appearance after an opener in 2023.
“It’s a little different, but it’s a good opportunity to grow from and go out there and have a different perspective of the game,” Pfaadt said on Friday.
“Probably keep it more extended, stretched out, but obviously depends on the situation and everything, but probably more than likely still built up to a degree,” he added on his role.
Pfaadt had not thrown since April 11, as the Diamondbacks did not have a clear landing spot for him during wins on Friday or Saturday.
Pfaadt threw 84 pitches on Sunday, only needing 56 to get through his final five innings.
Perhaps the Blue Jays were not as locked in as the start of the game, but Pfaadt executed with seven different pitches to throw, essentially, a quality start in relief.
Nelson went through a similar situation last season, getting moved to the bullpen due to a starter’s surplus. The two pitchers are close, giving Pfaadt a resource to learn from.
“I’ve talked to him and I’m sure I’ll talk to him a little bit more and pick his brain after the first time I get out there,” Pfaadt said. “Same position he was in last year, and we saw how that turned out for him. Taking it as a growth opportunity, and like I said, just any opportunity to help the team win.”
In terms of logistics and strategy, Pfaadt has to be ready to come into any game when he is available, as opposed to preparing for his start day.
How one uses their arsenal knowing he is not attempting to get through six or seven innings — unless something goes awry like Sunday — can change, along with the effort of each pitch, depending on the situation.
“I think the overall game plan is the same and just being intentful with every pitch,” Pfaadt said.
“Sit in the bullpen, understand what a bullpen piece looks like and what he needs to do to help us win a game,” manager Torey Lovullo said on Friday. “And that’s just not to pace himself. Go out there, get outs, and when you’re done, you’re done.”
Nelson’s success last year, Lovullo said, gave the Diamondbacks a bit of comfort in making the move with Pfaadt, who is still considered the sixth starter if needed.
Sunday’s performance helped with that.
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