D-backs’ Zack Godley remains consistent through season of uncertainty

Zack Godley didn’t make the Arizona Diamondbacks’ starting rotation out of spring training.

He didn’t even make the roster, instead starting the year at Triple-A Reno.

But if you were to list the unsung heroes of the 2017 D-backs through the season’s first four months, Godley would be at or near the top of the list.

He continued his steady pitching Thursday night in St. Louis, combining with relievers Archie Bradley and Fernando Rodney on a 5-hit shutout of the Cardinals in a 4-0 win. The victory evened Godley’s record at 4-4 and lowered his ERA to 3.06.

Godley has been recalled from Reno on three different occasions just in 2017. He’s been able to succeed despite the different environments thanks to following his own routine.

“Really and truly, just trying to remain consistent and keep doing the same thing I always do,” Godley told Doug and Wolf Friday morning on 98.7 FM, Arizona’s Sports Station. “Just continue to keep making my pitches and try to take advantage of the opportunties (the Diamondbacks) gave me.”

Godley’s Thursday performance was a mini-bounce-back after his two roughest outings of the season. On July 16 in Atlanta, he was touched up for six earned runs over six innings in a 7-1 loss to the Braves. Five days later, he was better, but allowed four runs over 5.2 innings and settled for a no-decision in a 6-5 victory over the Washington Nationals.

Still, the 27-year-old is confident in what he’s doing on the mound, and Thursday helped immensely.

“Of course, I’m making better pitches right now and keeping guys off-balance a little more than what I’ve done in the past,” he said. “I’m just utilizing my off-speed a little more than I have in the past, and it’s paid dividends.”

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