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 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.
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