According to AZCentral’s Nick Piecoro, manager Torey Lovullo said the club is “slow-playing” Brandon Pfaadt because of a minor side issue that surfaced during the offseason. The team does not believe it will affect his readiness for Opening Day, and Pfaadt pitched in a backfield game Thursday as part of his buildup.
Right-hander Brandon Pfaadt is being “slow-played” because of some kind of a “side” issue that popped up during the offseason, manager Torey Lovullo said. Shouldn’t prevent him from being on time to start the season. He is pitching in a backfield game today.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) February 26, 2026
In other injury news, right-hander Cristian Mena has re-aggravated his teres major — the same injury that sidelined him last season after a rainy outing in Cincinnati against the Reds in June. Arizona Sports’ Alex Weiner reported there are no plans for surgery. Mena recently underwent testing and has been pulled back from throwing as a precaution.
Jul 3, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Cristian Mena (64) throws in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
These developments add to a growing list of pitching concerns for Arizona over the past year. Scheduled Opening Day starter Merrill Kelly was recently ruled out for the first day of the season because of back discomfort, further highlighting how thin the margin for error can be with a staff navigating early health questions.
While Mena was expected to compete for a bullpen role this spring, Pfaadt is a central piece of the Diamondbacks’ rotation. Any significant setback for him would carry greater implications, particularly with other starters working back from injuries. For now, though, Lovullo’s comments suggest the club views Pfaadt’s situation as manageable rather than alarming.
May 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt (32) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Neither pitcher is scheduled for procedures or surgery, and the organization appears committed to a cautious approach as camp continues.
With Opening Day approaching, Arizona will closely monitor its pitching depth and make adjustments as needed, prioritizing long-term durability over short-term urgency.