The Arizona Diamondbacks head into a crucial 3-game series with the Dodgers knowing that Brandon Pfaadt has given them a genuine chance to strike in the starting pitching battle. In July and August, Pfaadt posted a 1.53 ERA, compared with Yoshinobu Yamamoto's 3.00 ERA, and that is the kind of edge that can matter in a tight NL Wild Card race.
At the time of the preview, the pitching matchups had not yet been announced, but the likely headline meeting was Pfaadt against Yamamoto. That is the sort of duel Arizona will welcome after sweeping the Dodgers in a 3-game series in July, because every win against a division rival helps their playoff hopes.
Pfaadt has been the sharper starter
The numbers point clearly in Arizona's favour. Pfaadt's 1.53 ERA in July and August stands out against Yamamoto's 3.00, and it suggests the Diamondbacks have been getting the more reliable form from their starter at the right time.
That does not guarantee anything over one night in the majors, but it does explain why this matchup drew attention. When a team is chasing a postseason place, the value of a starter who is in rhythm becomes even greater.
The Diamondbacks' motivation is straightforward. They want to stay alive in the NL Wild Card race, and recent wins have only sharpened that hunger to get back into the playoffs. A series against the Dodgers gives them a chance to back up those ambitions against one of the teams they know they have to keep pressing.
Why the series matters in the Wild Card race
This is not just about one pitching line or one projected matchup. The preview also pointed to the broader battle between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers, with defence, bullpen performance and runs scored per game all part of the discussion.
In that context, a strong start from Pfaadt would be important for more than one reason. It would not only help Arizona in the game itself, but also reinforce the idea that they can win important series when their rotation is set up properly.
For the Dodgers, the other likely options in the series involved Merrill Kelly, Roki Sasaki, Eduardo Rodriguez and Justin Wrobleski. But if Pfaadt does get the nod opposite Yamamoto, Arizona will see it as one of the clearest chances in the series to take control early.
That is why Pfaadt's form matters so much. In a race where every result carries weight, the Diamondbacks do not need perfection. They just need their best pitcher at the right moment, and his July and August numbers suggest he has put himself in position to do exactly that.
