Is Third Time the Charm for Brandon Pfaadt?

Brandon Pfaadt is being called up from the taxi squad to make the start today in Cincinnati for the Diamondbacks against the Reds. First pitch is 1:10 P.M. MST. The Reds took game one of the three game series last night, 9-6.

Pfaadt has been pitching in Triple-A Reno for the last several weeks after two prior opportunities to stick in the major league rotation. He made five starts in May, posting an 8.32 ERA. The team some how managed to go 3-2 in those games, but Pfaadt gave up eight homers in just 23.2 innings and he clearly wasn't ready. Sent back to Reno, he was called back up out of necessity on June 29th to face the Rays and lasted only two-plus innings, giving up six runs on seven hits, including another homer. His MLB ERA is now 9.82. To make room for Pfaadt, the D-backs have optioned right-handed reliever Justin Martinez to Triple-A Reno.

To make room for Pfaadt on the active roster, the #Dbacks option RHP Justin Martinez to Triple-A Reno. Martinez allowed 5 runs in the 5th inning in last night's loss.
— Michael McDermott (@MichaelMcD8393) July 22, 2023

With Zach Davies just placed on the injured list and Merrill Kelly still not yet ready to return from a blood clot induced IL stint, it's critical for Pfaadt to find his footing. Considered the top pitching prospect in the D-backs system, other teams have been asking about him in trade talks but the team is far from ready to give up on him.

In his most recent outing for Reno Pfaadt went 5.2 scoreless innings against the Las Vegas Aviators, striking out eight batters while giving up two walks and six hits. The team believes the main issue for Pfaadt has been command in and around the zone. He averages almost 94 MPH with his fastball and has a good sweeper when he can locate it. Both pitches have elite spin rates, although that has yet to translate into the the type of movement that can induce soft contact at this level. He needs to figure that out today though as Great American Ballpark is the most homer friendly ballpark in all of baseball.

The Reds will be starting a home run challenged rookie of their own in Brandon Williamson. The 25 year old left hander is 1-2 with a 4.98 ERA in 11 starts. He's given up 10 homers in 52 innings. He went six innings allowing two runs to the Giants in a no decision on July 17th however. He throws a 92-93 MPH four seamer, and uses four different secondaries, including a cutter, slider, changeup and curveball.

Lineups

While the D-backs are just 2-5 on this road trip, the good news is that the offense has woken up from a two week slumber. After a 16-run, three-homer out burst against the Braves on July 18th, they've scored scored 16 more runs over their last three games, or 5.3 per game. It's mostly been homers fueling the run scoring, as they've hit just .214 in these last three games, but have knocked six long balls out of the park.

They need to get Corbin Carroll going again however. He's just 3 for his last 23, with a homer and a triple. In fact since seeing his OPS peak at .998 on June 13th, more than 100 points have been shaved off that number down to .894. Over his last 29 games, 118 PA he's batting just .213/.274/.398, .672 OPS. He does have five homers and 16 RBI in that span, but he has just eight walks and 26 strikeouts during this stretch as well.

Thee Reds offense is hot, having scored 27 runs in their last four games, batting .293 with seven homers. Last night's hero, rookie Matt McLain is 8 for his last 19, .421 with two homers and five RBI. His season average is up to .301 with a .886 OPS in 57 games, 264 PA.