Why Diamondbacks sent Brandon Pfaadt to minors in intriguing move

The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the mix in the National League Wild Card race and could emerge as buyers at this year's trade deadline. 

Of course, the next few months will have to go their way for that to happen. 

Before that, they've decided to adjust their pitching staff, sending a reliever to the minors to be stretched out as a starting pitcher. 

According to a report from Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic, right-hander Brandon Pfaadt has been optioned to Triple-A Reno. 

"Pfaadt once looked to be establishing himself as a core rotation piece in Arizona. He came up in 2023 and gave the Snakes 96 innings. His 5.72 earned run average wasn’t strong, but he turned things on at the right time," Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors wrote Thursday. "He posted a 3.27 ERA over five postseason starts, helping the Diamondbacks go as far as the World Series that year." 

The D-Backs moved Pfaadt to the bullpen a few months ago, but now the organization has decided to build his pitch count. The best way to do that without impacting the Major League club is to send him to Triple-A. 

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In 13 appearances this season, including three starts, Pfaadt owns a 5.92 ERA with 31 strikeouts and a 1.500 WHIP in 38 innings. 

Last March, Arizona signed the 27-year-old to a five-year extension that runs through the 2030 season. 

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