Diamondbacks’ Pfaadt Faces Rays in Key Matchup at Chase Field

PHOENIX, Arizona — The Arizona Diamondbacks are set to face the Tampa Bay Rays tonight, April 23, at Chase Field. Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon Pfaadt, who holds a record of 3-1 with a 3.04 ERA, will be on the mound against Rays righty Zack Littell, who is currently 0-4 with a 5.48 ERA.

Pfaadt is coming off a strong performance where he allowed only one run over 5 2/3 innings against the Miami Marlins. Prior to that, he had an impressive outing against the Baltimore Orioles, throwing six scoreless innings. Despite facing the Rays last season and struggling, giving up six runs in just two innings, Pfaadt has adjusted his pitching strategy this year, reducing his slider usage significantly in favor of change-ups and curveballs.

“I’m always looking to improve,” Pfaadt said about his adjustments. “I think that those things so far have paid off.” The Diamondbacks have shown confidence in Pfaadt, who is expected to build on his recent success.

On the other side, Zack Littell is looking for redemption after a mixed performance record thus far in 2024. He delivered one run over six innings against the Boston Red Sox in his last start, but has struggled with consistency, allowing 12 runs in just 11 innings in two prior outings.

Manager Torey Lovullo has responded to recent struggles in the outfield, opting to give Alek Thomas significant playing time in center field while Jake McCarthy works through a minor league stint after a poor start to the season.

“What I told him is, look at it like you’re going on a two- or three-week road trip and get your butt back here as soon as possible,” Lovullo said, emphasizing his confidence in McCarthy’s ability to return to form.

Injury updates from the team include second baseman Ketel Marte, who is progressing from a hamstring strain and is expected to resume running soon. Lovullo confirmed that the club remains optimistic for Marte’s return by late April or early May.

As the Diamondbacks strive for a solid performance against the Rays, they aim to extend their winning streak, currently bolstered by strong pitching efforts and offensive contributions from star players like Pfaadt. The match against Tampa Bay is scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m.