ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

D-backs’ Clay Buchholz pitches 6 innings, strikes out 6 in rehab start

Jul 20, 2018, 10:53 AM

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Clay Buchholz throws during the first inning of the team's baseball ga...

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Clay Buchholz throws during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Clay Buchholz had an impressive rehab outing in Visalia on Thursday, his first since straining his oblique.

Buchholz went six innings, giving up only four hits and two runs while striking out six. He retired seven straight batters at one point and coaxed a double play to get out of the fifth inning.

On June 25, Buchholz was placed on the 10-day disabled list with an oblique strain. He threw three innings of a simulated game July 13, according to MLB.com’s Tory McElhaney.

The D-backs hope to get him back soon. The starting pitching rotation, which has gone through a flurry of roster moves due to injuries – in particular, the return of Robbie Ray and the return and then subsequent injury of Shelby Miller – has struggled to stay consistent.

If Miller misses time due to right elbow tightness, Buchholz would be a welcome addition to the rotation. Even if Miller doesn’t miss time, Buchholz could challenge him for a spot.

While healthy, Buchholz has allowed one run or fewer in five of his seven starts en route to a sparkling 2.56 ERA. Miller struggled after returning from Tommy John surgery, though, accumulating an 11.40 ERA in four starts, which was compounded by his disastrous five-run first inning on July 11 before he left with elbow pain.

Matt Koch was called up to replace Miller. At his best, he can out-duel Justin Verlander and keep up with Clayton Kershaw, a pair of former MVPs. At his worst, Koch gives up five runs and can’t get through the fifth inning, as he’s done four times this season.

He was sent down in June to allow the D-backs to make bullpen moves during a long road trip. However, it also came in the midst of struggles on the mound – Koch’s ERA ballooned from 2.43 in mid-May to 4.40 at the time of the demotion.

If Buchholz continues to progress, he could replace Koch and Miller in the starting rotation, assuming all are healthy.

On Thursday, manager Torey Lovullo said the fifth starter spot was yet to be decided.

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.

25 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

D-backs’ Clay Buchholz pitches 6 innings, strikes out 6 in rehab start