Brandon Pfaadt pitches 7 scoreless innings and Adrian Del Castillo shines as the D-backs beat the Cardinals 7-3 on July 19 amidst roster turmoil.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just hours after a flurry of roster moves shook the clubhouse, including the unexpected placement of All-Star Ketel Marte on the restricted list, the Arizona Diamondbacks responded the only way they know how: by winning on the field. Behind a masterful performance from Brandon Pfaadt and an explosive return to the big leagues for Adrian Del Castillo, the D-backs secured a much-needed 7-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, proving their resilience in the face of adversity.
In his first game back from Triple-A, Adrian Del Castillo wasted no time, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored to spark the offense.
The story on the mound was all about Brandon Pfaadt. The right-hander was simply untouchable, carving up the Cardinals' lineup for seven scoreless innings. He scattered a few hits but showed impeccable control, striking out six without issuing a single walk. It was the kind of dominant, stabilizing performance the team desperately needed, shutting down any potential St. Louis rally before it could even begin and setting the tone for the entire evening.
The win came against a backdrop of significant roster changes. The most jarring news was All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte being placed on the restricted list to deal with personal matters following a burglary at his home during the All-Star break. While manager Torey Lovullo assured the media Marte is expected to be alright, his absence creates a major hole. The team also officially moved catcher Gabriel Moreno to the 60-day IL with his fractured hand, cementing a longer-term absence. To fill the gaps, the D-backs called up catcher Adrian Del Castillo and reliever Trevor Richards, while signing Sergio Alcantara to the major league roster.
If there were any questions about how Adrian Del Castillo would handle his return to the show, he answered them emphatically. Coming off a scorching-hot streak in Triple-A Reno where he posted a .945 OPS, Del Castillo didn't miss a beat, collecting three hits, driving in a run, and scoring twice. His energy was palpable. The offense fed off it, with Geraldo Perdomo driving in two runs and Blaze Alexander adding an RBI double. Even the defense shined, highlighted by a spectacular diving catch from Alek Thomas to rob Jordan Walker of extra bases. While John Curtiss made things interesting in the ninth by allowing a two-run homer, the D-backs' early lead was more than enough.
Saturday's win was more than just a single victory to climb to 48-50; it was a statement of resilience. With their All-Star leader sidelined and their catching depth tested, the Diamondbacks found heroes in Pfaadt and Del Castillo. The key now is to build on this momentum. Can Pfaadt continue this run of dominance? Can Del Castillo provide a consistent spark? As the team awaits Marte's return, they'll need more performances like this to keep their second-half hopes alive.
