D-Backs Move Struggling Starter Brandon Pfaadt to Bullpen

Merrill Kelly returns from injury, pushing Pfaadt out of the rotation

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the motion of a baseball pitcher, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, crimson red, and gold, conveying the complex challenges facing the Diamondbacks' pitching staff.The Diamondbacks' decision to move a struggling starter to the bullpen reflects the team's need to find the right pitching mix to compete in the NL West.Reno Today

The Arizona Diamondbacks have moved struggling starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt to the bullpen, with Merrill Kelly returning from injury to take his spot in the rotation. Pfaadt has had a shaky start to the season, allowing 12 runs in 16.2 innings, while Kelly is set to make his first start after being sidelined with intercostal nerve irritation.

Why it matters

The Diamondbacks' bullpen has been one of the weakest in MLB so far this season, with a 4.50 ERA that ranks 21st in the league. Moving Pfaadt to the bullpen could provide a boost, as the team looks to shore up its relief corps and get back on track after a tough start.

The details

Pfaadt, who signed a 5-year, $45 million extension with the Diamondbacks last year, has struggled with home run issues throughout his MLB career. The team could have optioned him to the minors to work on things, but instead decided a bullpen stint might allow him to simplify his arsenal and get back on track. Meanwhile, Merrill Kelly is set to make his first start of the season after being sidelined with an injury, joining a rotation that includes Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Ryne Nelson.

  • Pfaadt has allowed 12 runs (11 earned) over 16.2 innings to start the 2026 season.
  • Kelly made one rehab start for Triple-A Reno and pitched in extended spring training before being activated.

The players

Brandon Pfaadt

A right-handed starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who has struggled with home run issues in his MLB career so far.

Merrill Kelly

A right-handed starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is returning from an intercostal nerve irritation injury that sidelined him to start the 2026 season.

Torey Lovullo

The manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Zac Gallen

A right-handed starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is locked into the team's rotation.

Eduardo Rodriguez

A left-handed starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is locked into the team's rotation.

Ryne Nelson

A right-handed starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who is locked into the team's rotation.

Michael Soroka

A right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks who has looked sharp in his first three starts of the season.

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What they’re saying

“If Pfaadt were coming off a strong 2025 season, the Diamondbacks probably would have given him a longer leash.”

— Anthony Franco, Author

What’s next

The Diamondbacks will likely give Pfaadt opportunities in high-leverage bullpen situations, with the hope that a short-term stint in relief will allow him to simplify his arsenal and get back on track. The team could also revisit giving Pfaadt another rotation opportunity at some point later in the season.

The takeaway

This move highlights the Diamondbacks' need to shore up their bullpen, which has been one of the weakest in MLB so far this season. It also demonstrates the team's willingness to make tough decisions with their pitching staff in order to find the right mix and get the most out of their talented young arms.