{"id":679618,"date":"2026-04-20T06:31:19","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T06:31:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/679618\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T06:31:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T06:31:19","slug":"brandon-pfaadt-on-move-to-bullpen-good-opportunity-to-grow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/679618\/","title":{"rendered":"Brandon Pfaadt on move to bullpen: ‘Good opportunity to grow’"},"content":{"rendered":"

PHOENIX \u2014 Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Pfaadt made his first appearance since getting moved to the bullpen on Sunday at Chase Field.<\/p>\n

It did not come in ideal circumstances with the Diamondbacks trailing the Toronto Blue Jays 9-1, but the blowout provided bulk innings for Pfaadt as the club works out what his role will be.<\/p>\n

Pfaadt pitched well, delivering 6.1 innings with one run, as he efficiently kept the game from getting into position-player-pitching range. Arizona lost 10-4<\/a> but only had to use two relievers after starter Ryne Nelson recorded one out.<\/p>\n

With Merrill Kelly returning this past week from the injured list, the D-backs decided to move Pfaadt to the bullpen, a new experience for him with one career relief appearance after an opener in 2023.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a little different, but it\u2019s a good opportunity to grow from and go out there and have a different perspective of the game,\u201d Pfaadt said on Friday.<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably keep it more extended, stretched out, but obviously depends on the situation and everything, but probably more than likely still built up to a degree,\u201d he added on his role.<\/p>\n

Pfaadt had not thrown since April 11, as the Diamondbacks did not have a clear landing spot for him during wins on Friday or Saturday.<\/p>\n

Pfaadt threw 84 pitches on Sunday, only needing 56 to get through his final five innings.<\/p>\n

Perhaps the Blue Jays were not as locked in as the start of the game, but Pfaadt executed with seven different pitches<\/a> to throw, essentially, a quality start in relief.<\/p>\n

Nelson went through a similar situation last season, getting moved to the bullpen due to a starter\u2019s surplus. The two pitchers are close, giving Pfaadt a resource to learn from.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve talked to him and I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll talk to him a little bit more and pick his brain after the first time I get out there,\u201d Pfaadt said. \u201cSame position he was in last year, and we saw how that turned out for him.\u00a0Taking it as a growth opportunity, and like I said, just any opportunity to help the team win.\u201d<\/p>\n

In terms of logistics and strategy, Pfaadt has to be ready to come into any game when he is available, as opposed to preparing for his start day.<\/p>\n

How one uses their arsenal knowing he is not attempting to get through six or seven innings \u2014 unless something goes awry like Sunday \u2014 can change, along with the effort of each pitch, depending on the situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the overall game plan is the same and just being intentful with every pitch,\u201d Pfaadt said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cSit in the bullpen, understand what a bullpen piece looks like and what he needs to do\u00a0to help us win a game,\u201d manager Torey Lovullo said on Friday. \u201cAnd that\u2019s just not to pace himself.\u00a0Go out there, get outs, and when you\u2019re done, you\u2019re done.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nelson\u2019s success last year, Lovullo said, gave the Diamondbacks a bit of comfort in making the move with Pfaadt, who is still considered the sixth starter if needed.<\/p>\n

Sunday\u2019s performance helped with that.<\/p>\n

Follow @alexjweiner<\/a><\/p>\n

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