Rookie pitcher has hit his stride at the right time for D-backs

After leading the minor leagues with 218 strikeouts across 167 innings pitched during the 2022 season, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt came into 2023 looking to make the MLB roster out of spring training but was unsuccessful. 

However, with injuries to the starting rotation, Pfaadt made his MLB debut on May 3 against the Texas Rangers, but in 4.2 innings, he allowed seven earned runs on nine hits, including four home runs.

In what would be a rough rookie season that saw him shuttled between Triple-A and the majors, the 25-year-old right-hander finished the regular season with a 3-9 record and 5.72 ERA while surrendering 22 home runs in 96 innings. 

He would also fail to find his strikeout pitch in the big leagues, fanning just 94 batters. 

Despite this, D-backs manager Torey Lovullo still handed the young pitcher the ball to start Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Oct. 3.

Even though Pfaadt lasted only 2.2 innings, he limited the damage by allowing only three runs, and the team would pull out a victory in his postseason debut. 

Since then, he has been stellar for Arizona. 

Going 4.1 scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Divison Series, Pfaadt helped his team finish off the surprising sweep of the National League West division champs. 

Against the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Championship Series, Pfaadt was at his best, tossing 9.2 innings while striking out 16 batters and allowing two runs on six hits across two starts.