Diamondbacks rotation roundup

The Arizona Diamondbacks rotation has been inconsistent to say the least in 2024. Between poor health and lackluster performances, things just haven't taken off for what was expected to be one of the top five players in all of MLB.

Even though things didn't go as planned, how do they look now? Here we analyze the Diamondbacks' latest rotation.

RHP, 4.00 ERA, 4.79 FIP in 63.0 IP

Last start: 6 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 2 BB, 5 K's

Vintage Merrill Kelly came out to play against the Rockies in his final start. A dominant 6 innings against Colorado's bats, striking out 5 batters, was enough to keep the Diamondbacks within reach and probably should have earned him a win.

There's no doubt that Kelly will play a crucial role in Arizona's quest for a deep playoff run, and it appears he's returning to form at the perfect time. After missing most of the season, Kelly's calm, collected presence and seemingly effortless way of winning innings is a refreshing sight for D-backs fans.

LHP, 6.23 ERA, 4.59 FIP in 112.2 IP

Last start: 4.2 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K's

Jordan Montgomery's time in Arizona hasn't gone well so far. While he's continued to struggle, his last start against the Rockies wasn't as disastrous.

Montgomery's current role is to replace young right-hander Ryne Nelson, who is on injured reserve. As things stand, his absence shouldn't be too long and Montgomery shouldn't have much of an impact on the playoff rotation.

In 4.2 innings against Colorado, the D-backs' left field managed to keep the Diamondbacks in the game, but still got beat up by some rough contact. Things started with a thousand paper cuts from the Rockies' offense, sending soft-hit singles around the field. A solo shot from Ezequiel Tovar to right field was enough to knock Montgomery out, though.

LHP, 5.09 ERA, 4.10 FIP in 40.2 IP

Last start: 6.1 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB, 11 K's

Rodriguez's last start was arguably the best version of the veteran left-hander that Diamondbacks fans have seen. He had a season-high 11 strikeouts and showed his ability to generate whiffs and fool hitters. His previous high in strikeouts in 2024 was 7 against the Brewers in his last start, and it seems entirely possible that Rodriguez will improve as the season draws to a close.

While the outing came against the Rockies, it was the execution that shone. In the context of the outing, the start becomes even more impressive. Down 2-0 in the series, the Diamondbacks needed someone to step up and help the team get back into the series. Thanks to Rodriguez's dominance and of course an incredible offense, they were able to bounce back.

The D-backs' playoff rotation is still up in the air and will likely be determined at the last minute, but Rodriguez is making a strong case to be part of it. After missing most of the year with a serious injury and not having much time to get back into shape, his numbers have been solid and have provided some much-needed consistency.

RHP, 4.66 ERA, 3.58 FIP in 173.2 IP

Last start: 7 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 0 BB, 12 K's

Brandon Pfaadt is a crucial member of the Diamondbacks rotation. He has often been praised for his calm demeanor no matter the pressure. His ability to throw big innings for the team is extremely important to the health of the bullpen, and of course, his pitching prowess at such a young age has been a revelation.

Pfaadt has hit a few bumps in the road to the big leagues recently. That includes arguably the worst start of his career on Sept. 14 against the Brewers. His latest outing was a game-changer and could well set the stage for a new story.

In 7 dominant innings against the same Brewers team that knocked Pfaadt out after just 1 2/3 innings pitched a week ago, the D-backs right-hander shone. Just one earned run, on a solo home run by Garrett Mitchell, marred his pitching lineup.

Pfaadt was notably able to generate big strikeout totals against Milwaukee. 12 strikeouts, including seven straight in the middle innings, kept the Brewers out of reach. The start was a statement from the young starter, one that tells the baseball world he's ready to return to the same form we saw last October, leading the Diamondbacks to the World Series.

RHP, 3.74 ERA, 3.50 FIP in 142 IP

Last start: 5 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 5 K's

Gallen, the Diamondbacks' starting ace, has been on and off throughout the 2024 season. Through multiple stints on the injured list and inconsistent pitching, Gallen has found a way to keep the Diamondbacks in most of the games he's started.

That start against the Brewers was another example of his ability to overcome a lack of feel. It seemed almost from the start that Gallen lacked a good feel for many of his pitches, missing long and not being able to put hitters away quickly.

He nevertheless had a strong start to the season, being beaten only by one massive inning of offensive explosion from the Brewers, which included 3 home runs from the Milwaukee offense.

Gallen will be a fixture in the Diamondbacks' playoff run, if they get there. They need him to be the pitcher he showed he could be in his prime, but even when he's not at his best, Gallen can give his team a good chance to win on any given night.

The Arizona Diamondbacks will take on the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday at 4:10 p.m. Arizona time. Be sure to follow all the Arizona Diamondbacks news on SI for more coverage of the D-backs as they prepare to make a playoff run to end the regular season.