ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Despite struggles Tuesday, Shelby Miller, starters pitching well for D-backs

Mar 7, 2017, 5:42 PM | Updated: 5:47 pm

Arizona Diamondbacks' Shelby Miller throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball ga...

Arizona Diamondbacks' Shelby Miller throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Oakland Athletics, Tuesday, March 7, 2017, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Considering where they ranked a year ago, it’s hard not to be impressed with the performance of the Arizona Diamondbacks starting rotation two-plus weeks into spring training.

With the caveat that it’s early, and Opening Day isn’t until April 2, D-backs starters, entering play on Tuesday, had posted a sub-one ERA in their last nine outings, holding the opposition scoreless eight times.

The staff had the worst ERA (5.19) in the National League and second-worst overall in 2016.

“I like what I see as far as execution and repeating of deliveries and stuff,” manager Torey Lovullo said prior the D-backs game against the Oakland Athletics at Salt River Fields. “The results really don’t concern me so much because I know spring trainings can be a little bit deceiving. But as far the type of stuff that I’m watching our starters throw, it’s very encouraging. We just need to continue doing that…and getting ready for Opening Day.”

Perhaps the most promising sign, individually, thus far has been right-hander Shelby Miller.

After a highly disappointing first season with the D-backs, Miller reported to camp in great shape and with an even better attitude. He was anxious to put his 2015 numbers (3-12, 6.15) behind him.

And thus far he has.

Miller excelled in each of his first two Cactus League starts, and start No. 3 began with four quick outs before trouble arose in the second and third innings.

After the damage had been assessed, Miller had allowed six runs on five hits with two walks and one strikeout. He was removed with two outs in the third with his pitch count at 57.

“I felt good the first inning. We made some really good plays, which kind of saved me there,” he said, referring to outfielders Jeremy Hazelbaker and Gregor Blanco; the latter of whom robbed Matt Joyce of extra bases with a leaping catch at the top of the wall in straightaway center field.

“The second and third inning I wasn’t finishing two-strike pitches,” Miller continued. “Granted, I did throw one right down the middle to (Trevor) Plouffe that the umpire missed when I walked him. Other than that, you got to find your way out of jams and I just didn’t do that today, but stuff felt good. They were just coming out swinging hot (bats) out of the gates and I was just kind of leaving stuff in the middle of the plate. You know you’re going to get around a little bit when that happens.”

Miller retired the first four batters faced in 11 pitches, and then he needed 23 pitches to record the final two outs in the second inning when the Athletics scored three runs on three hits and a throwing error by catcher Chris Iannetta.

Miller surrendered another three runs in the third inning.

His fastball consistently landed in the mid-90s, topping out at 96 mph.

“It wasn’t like I was going out there and making terrible pitches. They just found some holes,” he said, before again talking about his inability to finish off batters, “that’s just something I need to work on in my next bullpen session, burying curveballs into the dirt instead of throwing them for strikes in two-strike counts. After that, results should be better if I’m making quality pitches with two strikes.”

According to Lovullo, the plan was for Miller to get up-and-down four times, meaning work into the fourth inning. The pitch count dictated otherwise, however.

Still, there’s been a lot to like with Miller.

“I know he has a little bit more to prove to himself and I know he’s motivated by last year. We haven’t really been talking much about that and that’s a credit to him because we’re now focused on what he’s been doing each and every outing,” Lovullo said.

“The thing I like most about Shelby is what I’m watching behind the scenes. I’m watching a guy that’s dedicated, focused, paying attention to his bullpens and just really working hard in the moment; and then when you walk by him he has a really intense look on his face. There’s a lot really good components that are going into the success that he’s having right now. We just want to see that continue to play out each and every outing.”

BASE HITS

— Like Miller, right-hander Archie Bradley allowed six runs in what was his third spring appearance. He was tagged for two runs in the fifth and four in the sixth, that’s when Oakland sent a total of 15 men to the plate with 11 scoring in the inning.

Bradley, who is now sporting a 17.47 ERA, walked two and struck out two.

— The game started well for the D-backs. Designated hitter Ketel Marte highlighted a five-run first inning with a three-run home run, his first of spring. He added a run-scoring single in the second, extending the lead to 7-3. Marte finished 2-for-3, raising his batting average to .222 (4-for-18) in seven games.

Third baseman Jake Lamb’s average is up to .571 after two hits in two at-bats. Plus, he had two RBI.

The D-backs lost the game, 21-13, in front of an announced crowd of 8,208.

— With the trade of Jean Segura in the offseason that has opened the door for Brandon Drury to be the everyday second baseman. That’s where he played against the Athletics.

Drury made eight starts and saw action in 16 games at second base last season.

“I see somebody that’s getting more and more relaxed and comfortable with the execution of all plays in all areas; turning two and his feeds (to first base) have been consistent,” Lovullo said. “I just know he was challenging himself to be a little bit more agile and I think that he’s addressed that. I think we’re watching a guy that’s covering some ground out there and feeling very comfortable.”

— Not in the lineup on Tuesday was outfielder Yasmany Tomas. Hazelbaker got the start in left field.

In six games this spring, Tomas is hitless in 17 at-bats with four strikeouts and a hit-by-pitch.

“A ton of bat speed, a nice approach, but maybe a little bit too jumpy in not seeing the ball and I think those are the results that you’re telling me,” Lovullo said. “We got to practice patient here. Swing at strikes, see the ball. We just need him to be consistent, as good as he could possibly be and do what he’s supposed to do and fit into this puzzle the way he’s supposed to fit in and we’re going to be just fine. So where we’re at right now—it’s March the 7th—minimal concern that he’s 0-for-17.”

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