New D-back Patrick Kivlehan excited to ‘do anything at all costs to win’

Sep 8, 2018, 5:08 PM

(AP Photo/Brandon Wade)

Cardinals reporter, ArizonaSports.com editor

PHOENIX — It hasn’t been long since newly-acquired outfielder Patrick Kivlehan joined the Arizona Diamondbacks.

It’s been since Thursday, to be exact.

And while Kivlehan will only be with the team for the remainder of the regular season — he isn’t eligible to join the postseason roster should the D-backs get there — he’s still fitting right in with the team.

“It’s exciting to be a part of a team that wants to win and will do anything at all costs to win,” Kivlehan said. “You just try to fit in anyway you can and when you get your opportunities take advantage of it.

“For being the new guy, everyone’s come out of their way to introduce themselves. It’s been smooth so far.”

Kivlehan contributed right away for the D-backs, scoring as a pinch-runner in Friday’s 5-3 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Kivlehan, 28, has spent time with Triple-A Louisville (Cincinnati Reds) and Triple-A Las Vegas (New York Mets) in 2018. With the two squads, the outfielder, who also has seen time in the infield, hit .298, slugging .543 with an OBP of .359.

In 113 Triple-A games, Kivlehan has 29 doubles, four triples, 20 homers, 71 RBIs and 62 runs scored. He also has 32 walks over that span.

Since July 20 (38 games), Kivlehan led the minors in extra-base hits (34), total bases (118) and OPS (1.294).

Kivlehan, who is yet to have an at-bat in the majors this season, is expected to play in the outfield for the D-backs, skipper Torey Lovullo said Thursday after the acquisition.

Shelby Miller feeling “super”

Lovullo provided an update on injured pitcher Shelby Miller on Saturday.

“Shelby threw a flat-ground (session on Friday) and said he felt super,” Lovullo said. “He’s going to have a throwing program [Saturday] so that’s a good sign.

“He spun some breaking balls and the next step will be to get him on the mound and in the bullpen.”

Miller went on the disabled list on July 12 after feeling right elbow tightness against the Colorado Rockies. Before exiting the game, he pitched just one inning, allowing five earned runs and walking two.

Lovullo was not sure when that target date would be, but was excited for where Miller was at in terms of recovery.

“He’s not going to be built up to throw as a starter, we know that, but we’re not going to rush anything,” Lovullo said.

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