D-backs GM Kevin Towers: Health is the biggest key in Bronson Arroyo’s turnaround

May 14, 2014, 4:28 PM | Updated: 4:37 pm

LISTEN: Kevin Towers, D-backs general manager

Arizona Sports

Just when the Arizona Diamondbacks needed it most, veteran right-hander Bronson Arroyo hurled a complete game in a 3-1 win over the Washington Nationals Tuesday night.

Arroyo (4-2) scattered seven hits and struck out seven as he outdueled Washington ace Stephen Strasburg.

The 37-year-old wasn’t only excellent Tuesday — he’s pitched very well in his last four starts, going 3-0 with a minuscule 0.91 ERA in that stretch.

The biggest difference, according to general manager Kevin Towers, is Arroyo’s health.

“He’s healthy,” Towers told Doug and Wolf Wednesday morning on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. “I don’t think he wanted to start the season on the disabled list — he’s never been on the DL, but he had the back problems and I think his shoulder started to bother him because he tried to come back too early from the back. I just think in the first couple weeks, he wasn’t ready.”

The statistics from Arroyo’s first four starts certainly seem to verify what Towers is talking about. In that stretch, he was 1-2 with a hefty 9.50 ERA. Opposing hitters were feasting on him, batting .372 and clubbing five home runs over his 18 innings pitched.

“He didn’t want to go on the DL, and now he’s healthy and I think we’re seeing the real Bronson Arroyo,” Towers said. “I don’t think it’s anything more than just being healthy and feeling good.”

Arroyo’s four wins are tied for seventh in the National League, and Tuesday’s complete game was his first since July 22, 2013 when he threw a shutout in an 11-0 win over the San Francisco Giants.

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Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper, right, watches his teammates during batting practice before the Nationals' baseball game with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper eyes the ball during batting practice before the Nationals' baseball game with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper watches his teammates during batting practice before the Nationals' baseball game with the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper points to the crowd as he takes his position at the start of the Nationals' baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper heads to the plate as the fans stands up during the first inning of a baseball game between the Nationals and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann delivers to an Arizona Diamondbacks batter during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Trevor Cahill delivers a pitch against the Washington Nationals during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper warms up before the Nationals' baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper catches a ball hit Arizona Diamondbacks Gerardo Parra during the second inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper tries to bunt against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fifth inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Justin Upton, left, steals second base as Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (20) reaches for the throw during the sixth inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Arizona Diamondbacks' Aaron Hill falls to the ground after getting hit by a pitch from Washington Nationals reliever Ryan Mattheus during the seventh inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, Tuesday, May 1, 2012. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

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