Pfaadt 'ready to take that next step'

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Brandon Pfaadt didn't make the D-backs' Opening Day roster last spring.

A lot has happened since then, like achieving folk hero status after an electric postseason performance during Arizona's run to the World Series.

So it's different this spring, where Pfaadt's no longer fighting for a roster spot. Instead, heading into his Cactus League debut in the D-backs' 8-6 win over the Guardians Wednesday in Goodyear, Pfaadt has the starting rotation's No. 4 spot pretty locked up.

A different approach this Spring Training for sure, right?

"Yes," he said flatly. "I just got asked this question yesterday actually."

Yep, that whole newfound fame has also taken hold. That's a gimmie when a 2020 fifth-round pick comes out of nowhere on the national stage to hold the Dodgers and Phillies to just two runs over three playoff starts and then works two clean innings in his first World Series start in Game 4 against the Rangers.

The 25-year-old was scheduled for one inning of work against Cleveland, where he allowed two earned runs on two hits, walked one, and didn't record a strikeout. Pfaadt faced six batters and got behind at times but did bounce back from a 2-0 count to his last hitter, Andrés Giménez, to induce an infield groundout in a five-pitch at-bat.

"It's always going to be a little off your first time through," Pfaadt said of his stuff, which included two changeups. "I think that was today. The slider was a little off."

After the one inning, Arizona manager Torey Lovullo says his starter is right on track.

"He's very inspired. He's ready to take that next step," Lovullo said. "Pitching in the postseason the way he did, back at the end of the year the way he did, I think if he's healthy, strong, and doing what he can do, he should be just fine."

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit his first homer of the spring. Young players making the most of their plate appearances included left-handed-hitting Sheng-Ping Chen, who picked up two hits and two RBIs, and Caleb Roberts, who came through as a pinch-hitter with a two-run, broken-bat triple in the rallying ninth inning.

Other arms in the mix

Tommy Henry is in healthy competition for the last spot in the D-backs' rotation and looked especially strong Wednesday, throwing three near-perfect innings. The lefty walked one and struck out one, including setting down the first three Cleveland batters he faced – all right-handers – on just nine pitches in a long outing.

"The two to three [inning] jump feels like the first real start," Henry said. "Two, you can argue, is kind of still bullpen. Now that third 'up' is your body treating it more like a start."

Henry is in the mix with Ryne Nelson, Slade Cecconi, Bryce Jarvis, and others for the final open rotation spot. His goal Wednesday was to throw 45 pitches and he ended up throwing 29 in the game, plus some in the bullpen after. He also tossed two groundball-inducing sinkers, among others.

"I was happy to see a couple of swings and misses on the slider," he added. "It's a pitch that's a constant work in progress and it keeps getting better."

Lovullo sees Henry's next outing extending to four innings.

"I see him right on track for this [starting rotation] competition," Lovullo said. "He's doing everything we're asking him to do."

Also catching attention on an afternoon when nine different pitchers took the mound was 26-year-old non-roster invitee Kyle Backhus.

The 26-year-old lefty came on in the seventh, inheriting bases loaded with no outs. He promptly struck out the side to end the threat.

"That's what you want a young pitcher to do when he comes into a game like that," Lovullo said. "Block out the noise and attack the zone."

Gallen throws bullpen session

Zac Gallen will throw a simulated game in Scottsdale Friday as the D-backs' expected Opening Day starter continues to take things slowly this spring.

Both Gallen and No. 2 starter Merrill Kelly are deliberately being brought along slower in Spring Training than the other pitchers due to their extended workload last season during the NL champions' run to the World Series.

Gallen is projected to make his first spring appearance when he starts March 8.

"I saw him do [a] bullpen [session] today, he looks great," Lovullo said Wednesday. "Everything's falling in line for him."

Including Friday's sim game, the right-hander is expected to pitch five games this spring, as will Kelly.

Thursday probables

The D-backs will start right-hander Ryne Nelson at home against the Giants on Thursday. Righties Humberto Castellanos, Josh Green and Chris Rodriguez will also throw.

Look for the spring pace to stay the same short-term for the D-backs.

"Probably two weeks from now, we're gonna start to get guys back-to-back and get that team pushing through the way you want to prep for the year," Lovullo said. "It also gives us the chance to see young players."