D-backs RHP Shelby Miller dominant in fourth rehab start

After struggling in his third rehab start, Arizona Diamondbacks right-handed pitcher Shelby Miller bounced back in his fourth Saturday night.

Playing with Single-A Visalia, Miller tossed a gem. He went 6.2 innings, allowing just three hits and no runs on 81 pitches (56 strikes). He also struck out 10 and did not register a walk. He saw his fastball reach 95 mph.

It was his second rehab start with Visalia.

The D-backs were hopeful after his last start Miller could go six innings with an 85-pitch count.

Saturday’s start is a solid sign for the D-backs.

With an injury-riddled starting rotation — Robbie Ray has been out since April 29 with a right oblique strain and Taijuan Walker made just three starts before having Tommy John surgery — D-backs general manager Mike Hazen has guaranteed that Miller will return to the D-backs’ rotation once he returns from injury.

It’s been quite a long road to recovery for Miller, who has been sidelined for more than a year after tearing his UCL against the Dodgers in April of 2017.

In his first rehab start with High-A Visalia, Miller threw 65 pitches, 52 of which were strikes, allowing one run while striking out eight. He followed up that success by allowing one earned run and four hits in 4.2 innings for Jackson. Before that, he had made three starts of extended spring training..

But after allowing five runs in the first inning and three more in the second of his third rehab start, the team wanted to give the pitcher at least one more start before making any decisions.

It seems it could be just a matter of time before he gets the call to the big-league club following Saturday’s performance.

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