ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

He’s back: Shelby Miller will make season debut for D-backs on Monday

Jun 21, 2018, 1:56 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)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Shelby Miller will make his MLB return from Tommy John surgery Monday against the Miami Marlins, the team announced Thursday.

Miller, who has been sidelined for more than a year after tearing his UCL against the Dodgers in April of 2017, has made four rehab starts this season.

He had his ups and downs, but impressed in his final rehab start.

Playing with Single-A Visalia, Miller 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.

Miller joins a big-league club where injuries have been an issue for the 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.

To celebrate Miller’s return to the D-backs, the team had some fun with the announcement, guessing Monday’s starter with just the use of emojis.

The move comes following the team’s decision to option starting pitcher Matt Koch to Triple-A Reno following Tuesday’s 5-4 loss.

First pitch for Monday’s game is set for 4:10 p.m. You can catch all the action by tuning into ESPN 620 AM.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Merrill Kelly...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly, Zac Gallen building strong outings with Opening Day near

Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly followed Zac Gallen's scoreless outing Sunday with one of his own Monday against the Athletics.

38 minutes ago

Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder...

Kevin Zimmerman

D-backs’ Alek Thomas found confidence with just 2 swings in 2023 playoffs

Two Alek Thomas home runs during the 2023 playoff run for the Arizona Diamondbacks helped build his confidence. You can guess one of them.

4 hours ago

Alek Thomas...

Alex Weiner

NL West preview: Where do the Diamondbacks fit in a new-look division?

No division was more prevalent in the news cycle than the NL West. Here's a preview of the Dodgers, D-backs, Giants, Padres and Giants.

8 hours ago

Corbin Martin...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks option RHPs Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi in final week of spring training

The Diamondbacks continued to clear up roster battles by optioning pitchers Corbin Martin, Slade Cecconi and Blake Walston Triple-A.

9 hours ago

Yu-Min Lin...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks prospects Yu-Min Lin, Jordan Lawlar stand out in inaugural Spring Breakout

Diamondbacks pitcher Yu-Min Lin was among the standouts against the Rockies in Saturday's inaugural Spring Breakout prospects showcase. 

2 days ago

Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo...

Alex Weiner

When will the Diamondbacks finalize their Opening Day roster?

There are not many Diamondbacks roster spots still up for grabs, but the ongoing spring training battles are coming down to the end. 

2 days ago

He’s back: Shelby Miller will make season debut for D-backs on Monday