Pfaadt will begin the season in the Diamondbacks' rotation and is scheduled to start Saturday against the Cubs, Jack Sommers of SI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander will slot in for Arizona's third game of the season after producing a 3.18 ERA over 11.1 innings during spring training. Pfaadt had a 4.71 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 185:42 K:BB in 32 starts for the Diamondbacks last season, though a 3.60 FIP provides a more encouraging outlook on his performance.

Pfaadt allowed two hits and struck out seven over five scoreless innings in Sunday's spring start against the Padres.

EDGE Analysis

Pfaadt was impressive in his fourth Cactus League start against a legit regular season San Diego batting order. After giving up a leadoff single in the first, Pfaadt set down the next 12 batters in order before a harmless leadoff single in the fifth -- the runner was eliminated on a double play. The right-hander threw 57 pitches (43 strikes) and left a good impression on manager Torey Lovullo, who has yet to settle on a No. 5 starter. The manager is mulling Pfaadt, Ryne Nelson and Jordan Montgomery for the final rotation spot.

Pfaadt allowed one run on three hits and one walk while striking out two over three innings in Tuesday's spring game against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Pfaadt didn't start the game and came on to pitch innings five through seven after Merrill Kelly and Justin Martinez got the Diamondbacks through the first four frames. This was Pfaadt's third Cactus League outing and decidedly better than his previous appearance when he was chased after 1.1 innings. Despite working out of the bullpen Tuesday, Pfaadt remains in the mix for the final spot in the rotation, along with Ryne Nelson and Jordan Montgomery.

Pfaadt was unable to get out of the second inning in his second spring start Wednesday, Alex Weiner of Arizona Sports reports. He allowed three runs on six hits and one walk while striking out two over 1.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Pfaadt elevated his pitch count to 46, even if the results weren't pretty. The right-hander's outing was the first in a line of starters battling for the Diamondbacks' final rotation spot -- Ryne Nelson will pitch Thursday, and Jordan Montgomery (finger) is scheduled for his spring debut Friday. If Pfaadt had a lock on a rotation spot, then Wednesday's performance could be chalked up to a pitcher just getting his work in, but instead his numbers will get measured against his competition.

Pfaadt allowed one hit and struck out two over two scoreless innings in Thursday's spring start against the Reds.

EDGE Analysis

Pfaadt cruised in his Cactus League opener, setting the side down in the order in the first inning, including an inning-ending swinging strikeout of Elly De La Cruz. The right-hander then worked around a two-out double in the second by punching out Spencer Steer to complete his day. Manager Torey Lovullo faces a tough decision regarding his five-man rotation. The top four are locked in with Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez. That leaves Pfaadt battling Ryne Nelson and Jordan Montgomery for the final spot. Both Pfaadt and Nelson still have minor-league options, but Montgomery could shift to the bullpen.

Pfaadt (11-10) picked up the win Sunday against San Diego, allowing one run on three hits and a walk across 5.1 innings. he struck out nine.

EDGE Analysis

Pfaadt has had a rollercoaster September, yielding four or more runs in three of his six starts in the month but combining for five runs in the other three appearances. In his three impressive starts, Pfaadt has racked up 31 strikeouts over 18 innings. On the year, Pfaadt has a 4.71 ERA and a 185:42 K:BB across 181.1 innings.

Pfaadt (10-10) took the loss Tuesday against the Giants, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out four over 2.2 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Pfaadt fell flat on his face again after delivering a brilliant outing his last time out during which he racked up a career-high 12 strikeouts. All the major damage against him came from home runs. Patrick Bailey took him deep in the second and then Michael Conforto extended the lead with a three-run blast in the third. Pfaadt has allowed nine home runs over his last nine starts and has seen his ERA jump from a 3.92 to a 4.80 in eight starts since Aug. 7. Arizona hasn't revealed its pitching plans for the final series of the regular season this weekend against the Padres, but Pfaadt would be available on normal rest to take the hill Sunday.

Pfaadt (10-9) earned the win over Milwaukee on Thursday, allowing one run on two hits and no walks while striking out 12 batters over seven innings.

EDGE Analysis

Pfaadt had been struggling mightily entering Thursday, posting an 11.34 ERA over his previous four outings. He bounced back in a big way against the Brewers, inducing 21 swings-and-misses en route to a career-high 12 punchouts. The Diamondbacks could certainly use a turnaround by the right-hander as the team attempts to hang on to a wild-card berth over the closing days of the campaign.

Pfaadt (9-9) took the loss Saturday versus the Brewers, allowing eight runs on seven hits and three walks while failing to record a strikeout over 1.2 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Pfaadt was on the hook for a seven-run second inning that was capped off by Willy Adames' grand slam. This was the fifth time in six starts that Pfaadt has given up at least four runs, though this was by far the shortest outing of the season for the 25-year-old. His ERA ballooned from 4.42 to 4.81, and he's added a 1.27 WHIP and 160:39 K:BB through 166.2 innings over 29 starts. He's nearly at his career high for innings, which is 167 across all levels in 2022, and it appears he's wearing down a bit toward the end of the campaign. He's tentatively projected to make his next start in a rematch at Milwaukee.

Pfaadt (9-8) took the loss Friday, giving up four runs on eight hits and two walks over 4.2 innings as the Diamondbacks were downed 8-0 by the Astros. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

Half the hits off the right-hander went for extra bases, including a three-run homer by Yordan Alvarez in the fifth inning. Pfaadt hasn't been able to complete six innings in any of his last four starts, stumbling to a 7.52 ERA, 1.97 WHIP over that stretch despite a 25:7 K:BB in 20.1 innings. He'll try to get back on track in his next outing, which lines up to come at home next weekend against the Brewers.