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Player Outlook
Many will point to Brandon Pfaadt's postseason and ignore the regular season. While those five starts can't be ignored, Pfaadt foreshadowed his playoff success with a strong second half. After his first six outings, Pfaadt recorded an ugly 9.82 ERA and 1.87 WHIP, with only 21 strikeouts in 25.2 frames. His issue was a 3.2 HR/9 mark. Pfaadt was recalled after the All-Star break and posted a 4.22 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 73 punchouts in 70.1 innings, with a still high but improved 1.7 HR/9. Pfaadt is a fly ball pitcher, so he'll continue to be homer-prone, but his BABIP should be below average, especially with strong defenders chasing down fly balls in the desert. However, Pfaadt threw fewer four-seamers and more sinkers in the postseason, with a 1.23 HR/9. If he carries this over to his sophomore season, Pfaadt could keep more balls in the yard. The concern in redraft leagues is someone may chase last season's postseason exploits. Expecting a full season of what Pfaadt did over the second half is the sage approach.

Fantasy Stats

Year fpts
Fantasy Points
fpts/g
Fantasy Points per Game
ip
Innings Pitched
w
Wins
l
Losses
sv
Saves
so
Strikeouts
bb
Base on Balls (Walk)
era
Earned Run Average
whip
Walks and Hits Allowed Per Inning
2024 0.00 0.00
2023 1216.4 96.0 3 9 94 26 5.72 1.41
Projections Powered by
Fantasy Performance by Week
72%
Roster
32%
Start
#59
SP Rank

Fantasy News

  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Preps for regular season

    Pfaadt allowed one run on three hits and struck out four over five innings in Tuesday's exhibition game against the Guardians. Pfaadt made his first start since March 10, although he's pitched on the back fields between then and now. He finished spring training with a 6.75 ERA and a 6:1 K:BB over 10.2 innings. He's expected to start the fourth game of the season Sunday at home against the Rockies.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Knocked around Sunday

    Pfaadt allowed four runs on four hits while striking out one over 2.2 innings in Sunday's start against the Dodgers. Pfaadt was removed after he retired just two of the first six batters and then re-inserted to pitch the second and third innings. He set down the side in order after coming back into the game. Despite the results, Pfaadt told Steve Gilbert of MLB.com that the outing was the best he felt in three spring starts. He's slotted in as the Diamondbacks' No. 4 starter.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Works one inning in debut

    Pfaadt allowed two runs on two hits and one walk over one inning in Wednesday's spring start against the Guardians. Unlike previous starters making their Cactus League debuts, Pfaadt was only scheduled to throw one inning, per Steve Stockmar of MLB.com. The 25-year-old right-hander said his slider was off but it was good to get the work in. Pfaadt, who was a postseason darling last year, threw a career-high 178.2 total innings in 2023, which may be the reason to control his buildup during camp. Last spring Pfaadt was pitching to earn a roster spot, but this year he's locked into the rotation.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Throws live BP

    Pfaadt threw his first live batting practice session Tuesday, Jack Magruder of MLB.com reports. Pfaadt is looking to build off a strong finish to the 2023 season, including the postseason in which he recorded 5.2 scoreless innings in a Game 3 win over the Phillies in the National League Championship Series. The Diamondbacks point to that game -- Arizona was down 2-0 in the series -- as pivotal to their run to the World Series. Arizona pitching coach Brent Strom credited Pfaadt's better pitch mix for the right-hander's success over the second half and playoffs. Pfaadt expected to slot in at third or fourth in the rotation, depending on where manager Torey Lovullo wants to insert left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, who signed a four-year deal with the D-backs during the offseason. Given that the top two members of the rotation -- Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly -- are right-handers, the manager may want to break it up with Rodriguez third and Pfaadt fourth.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Projected rotation member

    Pfaadt is projected to open the season at the Diamondbacks' fourth starter, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. Pfaadt seemingly has the edge over other young starters -- Ryne Nelson, Tommy Henry -- as the fourth starter, given the way he pitched in the postseason. The 25-year-old right-hander turned the page on his regular-season 5.72 ERA to log a 3.27 postseason ERA. Pfaadt hinted at an improvement during the regular season when he had 4.22 ERA over the second half compared to 9.82 ERA prior to the All-Star break.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Named starter for Game 3

    Pfaadt will start Game 3 of the World Series on Monday versus the Rangers, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports. After putting up a 5.72 ERA and 1.41 WHIP during the regular season, Pfaadt has seemingly flipped a switch during the playoffs, posting a 2.70 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 22 strikeouts across 16.2 innings. The 25-year-old rookie will follow Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly in the D-backs' rotation, with Pfaadt also in line to start Game 7 of the World Series, if necessary.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Punches out seven in no-decision

    Pfaadt did not factor into the decision in Tuesday's 4-2 victory over the Phillies in Game 7 of the NLCS, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks across four innings. He struck out seven. Pfaadt once again chained together a successful outing, pitching only four innings in the contest as the team turned things over to the bullpen in a do-or-die game. Despite the shorter appearance, Pfaadt still impressed in the strikeout column. He has now pitched to an 11.9 K/9 in 16.2 postseason innings, compared to a 8.8 mark across 96 regular-season innings. The hope heading into the World Series is that Pfaadt can maintain his newly discovered strikeout gains and continue his postseason success. He has pitched to a 2.70 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 22 strikeouts in those 16.2 playoff innings.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Fans nine in no-decision

    Pfaadt did not factor into the decision in Thursday's 2-1 victory over the Phillies in Game 3 of the NLCS, allowing two hits across 5.2 innings. He struck out nine. Pfaadt put together his best start of the postseason by far, but the team's offense could not get anything going, leaving him waiting on his first win of the playoffs. The rookie right-hander's success came on the back of his fastball and sweeper, which both were racking up whiffs, allowing him to finish with 17 total swing-and-misses across 70 pitches. So far in the postseason, Pfaadt has pitched to a 2.21 ERA and 0.98 WHIP with 15 strikeouts across 12.2 innings.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Likely to start NLCS Game 3

    Pfaadt is lined up to start Game 3 of the NLCS on Thursday against the Phillies, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports. Zac Gallen has been confirmed for Game 1 on Monday in Philadelphia and Merrill Kelly will follow him in Game 2 on Tuesday, then the Diamondbacks will likely turn to Pfaadt for Game 3 as the best-of-seven series shifts to Chase Field in Arizona. The 24-year-old rookie right-hander struggled in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series at Milwaukee before bouncing back to deliver 4.1 scoreless innings in Game 3 of the NLDS versus the Dodgers.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Confirmed for Game 3

    Pfaadt will start Game 3 of the NLDS against the Dodgers on Wednesday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports. The D-Backs hinted earlier in the day that Pfaadt was in line to start Game 3, and the club made it official following Monday night's victory. The right-hander will work for a better outcome Wednesday after surrendering three runs on seven hits and a walk in 2.2 frames against Milwaukee in the NL Wild Card Series.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Likely to start Game 3

    Pfaadt is expected to start Game 3 of the NLDS versus the Dodgers on Wednesday, J.P. Hoornstra of the Los Angeles Daily News reports. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo didn't want to make it official prior to Game 2 on Monday, perhaps in case Pfaadt is needed in an emergency in relief. The rookie right-hander struggled in his start against the Brewers during the NL Wild Card Series, yielding three runs on seven hits and a walk over 2.2 innings.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Starting Game 1

    Pfaadt will start Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series against the Brewers on Sunday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports. Pfaadt was inconsistent over the final month of the regular season but was effective in his final regular-season start, striking out eight in 5.2 scoreless innings to earn the win over the White Sox. He'll face a tougher test against the Brewers but will have a chance to prove himself in the postseason as the Diamondbacks attempt to gain an early advantage in the series.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Sharp in win over Cubs

    Pfaadt (2-8) allowed four hits and a walk while striking out six over 5.1 scoreless innings to earn the win Friday over the Cubs. Pfaadt was tagged for four runs, including three home runs, in a road start versus the Cubs on Sunday, but he responded well in the rematch back in Arizona. This was his second scoreless outing of the season, both of which have come in his last six appearances, though he's also given up 15 runs (14 earned) over 31.1 innings in that span. The rookie right-hander has a 5.86 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 78:26 K:BB through 86 innings over 17 appearances (16 starts) this season. He's projected for a road outing against the Yankees next week.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Could follow opener Sunday

    Pfaadt is no longer starting Sunday's game against the Cubs but could pitch behind opener Joe Mantiply, Steve Gilbert of MLB.com reports. The Diamondbacks haven't announced their pitching plans beyond Mantiply opening the contest, but Pfaadt is the likely candidate to handle the bulk innings after originally being penciled in to start. The 24-year-old has covered just 7.2 frames and allowed eight earned runs in his past two contests, and working behind an opener could improve his chances of getting into the win column since he won't have to complete five full innings.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Stumbles versus Dodgers

    Pfaadt dropped to 1-7 after allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out four over four innings in Wednesday's 7-0 loss to the Dodgers. Pfaadt had gotten his season on track in August, but the month ended on a sour note. He gave up two-run home runs to Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward in the third inning, and Max Muncy added a two-run double in the fourth. Pfaadt gave up 16 runs (15 earned) over 33.2 innings across his six starts in August. The rookie is now at a 6.21 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 64:22 K:BB through 71 innings over 14 starts this year. He's tentatively lined up for a home start versus the Rockies next week.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Earns first career win

    Pfaadt (1-6) allowed two runs on three hits and a walk while striking out five over 5.1 innings to earn the win over the Reds on Friday. Pfaadt gave up one of Nick Martini's two home runs in the game, but it was an otherwise strong outing for the rookie right-hander. Over five starts in August, Pfaadt has yielded 10 runs across 29.2 innings with a 30:9 K:BB. He's now at a 5.91 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 60:20 K:BB through 67 innings across 13 starts, though he's certainly trending in the right direction. He's projected to make his next appearance on the road against the Dodgers.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Turns in best start of season

    Pfaadt allowed a hit and three walks while striking out five over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision versus the Padres on Friday. Pfaadt carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning before giving up a double to Juan Soto. Despite the stellar start -- his third quality start in six outings since returning from Triple-A Reno -- the right-hander wasn't able to collect his first major-league win due to a lack of run support. Pfaadt is now at a 6.13 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 55:19 K:BB through 61.2 innings over 12 starts, though his outings have been much more convincing during his second stint in the majors. He's lined up to make his next start at home versus the Reds.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Still looking for first win

    Pfaadt (0-6) allowed four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five over 4.2 innings to take the loss Tuesday versus the Dodgers. This was the worst of Pfaadt's four starts since returning to the majors in late July, and it's not a surprise given the tough opponent. This was also the first time he walked multiple batters in that span. For the season, he's now at a 7.16 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 42:14 K:BB through 49 innings across 10 starts. Pfaadt could make his next start on normal rest this weekend at home versus the Padres, though it's also possible he draws a road start versus the Rockies next week if Slade Cecconi makes his second career start.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Could get call Thursday

    Pfaadt could join the Diamondbacks' rotation Thursday versus the Rays, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports. Pfaadt has met up with the team in Arizona and is the likely replacement for Merrill Kelly, who landed on the injured list Tuesday due to a blood clot in his right calf. Pfaadt struggled in his first taste of major-league action back in May, but he's registered a promising 3.16 ERA and 28:5 K:BB in 25.2 innings (five starts) since returning to Triple-A Reno at the beginning of June. Displaying improved command on the farm, the 24-year-old top prospect would be worth another look in most fantasy formats should he get an extended opportunity in the big leagues.
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  • Diamondbacks' Brandon Pfaadt: Could help Arizona rotation

    Pfaadt is a potential option to help fix the back end of Arizona's rotation, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reports. Arizona GM Mike Hazen discussed potential options to help the rotation, which, outside of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, had a 6.18 ERA over 43 starts heading into Tuesday's loss to the Brewers. The GM noted external options are not likely at this time, as there aren't many sellers given the number of teams still in the mix for the postseason, which turned the focus of the conversation to Triple-A Reno. Pfaadt has made four starts for Aces since a five-start introduction to MLB during May. "His velocity has been good, strike-throwing good, throwing to top of zone well," Hazen said. "He's done a good job. I think with the amount of strikes he throws, he's going to get clipped (for homers) in those environments and probably in the major leagues some." Pfaadt has a 3.86 ERA with 21 strikeouts, five walks and four home runs over his four starts (18.2 innings) at Reno. He allowed three solo homers in his most recent start.
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