D-backs recall Brandon Pfaadt for a familiar role

Arizona Diamondbacks recalled right-hander Brandon Pfaadt from Triple-A to start Tuesday’s game against the San Francisco Giants, filling a rotation need created by a bullpen squeeze. With nine relief pitchers available, the club must option one to clear roster space. Pfaadt struggled early in 2025, posting a 5.94 ERA before being moved to the bullpen after Merrill Kelly returned; he then went 5.92 over 38 innings in 13 appearances. The D-backs optioned him to Triple-A Reno on June 4, intending him to resume starting, and in his latest Triple-A start he threw 52 pitches across 3.2 innings. The recall is tied to injuries including Ryne Nelson (elbow) and Michael Soroka (glute), while the Diamondbacks previously extended Pfaadt to a five-year, $45 million contract before 2025.