D-backs recall Brandon Pfaadt for a familiar role

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The Arizona Diamondbacks are recalling Brandon Pfaadt from Triple-A to start Tuesday's game against the San Francisco Giants. Since the D-backs are operating with nine relief pitchers, one will have to be optioned to create space for the right-hander.

Pfaadt, who posted a worrisome 5.94 ERA in the early going, was shifted to the bullpen upon Merrill Kelly's return after making just three starts in the season. As a relief pitcher as well, things didn't go well for the righty, posting a 5.92 ERA over 38 innings across 13 appearances.

The D-backs optioned him to Triple-A Reno on June 4, intending to make him a starter again. There is a possibility that he will be limited to certain innings on Tuesday, as in his latest start with Triple-A Reno, he only pitched 52 pitches over 3.2 innings. So, he has built up, but probably not to a stage where one could expect 6-7 innings out of him.

It remains to be seen how Pfaadt will do after being asked to step on the mound again as a starter.

MORE: Why Diamondbacks sent Brandon Pfaadt to minors in intriguing move

Brandon Pfaadt's promotion comes after D-backs hit hard with injuries

Brandon Pfaadt's promotion has a lot to do with the injuries the D-backs are facing on their roster.

Ryne Nelson (elbow) and Michael Soroka (glute) are both on the injured list. While these pitchers stay out with injuries, Pfaadt has an opportunity to turn around his season as a starting pitcher and once again solidify his spot in the rotation.

Even the club would like that, since the D-backs extended him to a five-year, $45 million contract before the start of the 2025 season.