I think that led them to be super comfortable and hit those pitches that I left over the middle of the plate.” “We didn't really command the fastball in. That improvement disappeared in large part because of an issue Pfaadt battled back in his first two major league starts: fastball command. Ryne Nelson has struggled for much of the year, but has delivered two excellent starts in a row thanks to a mechanical adjustment that helped him find more velocity and life on his fastball.Įntering Friday, Pfaadt was trending in a similarly positive direction, with four runs allowed in 10 1/3 innings over his last two starts. Tommy Henry carries the least pedigree, but has pitched well in three of his last four starts, with a 3.91 ERA over that span.

To clear a spot for Davies, the Diamondbacks will need to make a roster move, most likely by optioning a starting pitcher to Triple-A Reno. And it happened on the eve of Zach Davies’ return from an oblique injury. At 3 2/3 innings, it was Pfaadt’s shortest outing, dooming the Diamondbacks to a near-certain defeat by the time he was removed. The latest start, in a 7-2 loss to the Red Sox, brought new levels of concern. For those doing the math at home, that’s an 8.37 ERA. Now, through five starts, the line: 23 2/3 innings, 31 hits, 22 runs, eight walks, 18 strikeouts. Outside observers gushed about his arsenal, his command and his makeup. General Manager Mike Hazen said conversations about the club’s young pitchers centered around him. The Diamondbacks viewed him as their top pitching prospect and weren’t afraid to let it be known. Tommy Henry, Ryne Nelson and Drey Jameson had all made their debuts before him, each with varying degrees of optimism. Just 23 days ago, Pfaadt arrived in the away clubhouse in Texas as an elevated breed of prospect. Before Torey Lovullo could reach the mound, Pfaadt stepped off the rubber, handed the ball to his skipper and kept walking, stride unbroken, into the Diamondbacks’ dugout and into an uncertain future.

Boston Red Soxīrandon Pfaadt knew immediately that his night was over. View Gallery: Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks vs.

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