D-backs pitcher Archie Bradley starts spring where last spring ended

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Teammates had to ask Archie Bradley about one brief at-bat during his first inning on the mound this spring. Bradley induced a quick pop-up against Colorado Rockies’ slugger Carlos Gonzalez, the first time they’d squared off since the late April game when Gonzalez’s hit rocketed back at Bradley, striking the Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher in the face.

Bradley didn’t care to see the significance.

“I’m so far past that,” he said after the game Wednesday.

The D-backs maybe aren’t.

Before Arizona opened spring 2016 with 6-3 win over Colorado, manager Chip Hale admitted the team had maybe mishandled Bradley’s return from the facial injury suffered last season.

“In retrospect, in looking at everything, in evaluating it, sometimes you can just be bull-headed and say, ‘Well, we did everything we could. We did the right thing.’ Well, we probably should’ve had him go out on a rehab (assignment),” Hale admitted.

Instead, the Diamondbacks allowed Bradley to return shortly after a simulated game against Arizona hitters. He was never the same.

Bradley allowed four total runs in four starts before his injury –- all Arizona wins –- but never allowed less than four runs in every one of four starts after it. He lost his spot in the rotation because of it.

“It was his arm, his command and his stuff, was just not the same,” Hale said. “The days off of pitching, that’s what I was talking about. He just didn’t have the same kind of snap to the ball.”

This spring, like the last few years, the Diamondbacks would like Bradley to make a run at a starting rotation job but results from last season might indicate left-hander Robbie Ray enters as the favorite to win the final starting job.

But it’s important to remember how Bradley earned his starting role last year and how he succeeded before his injury.

There were positive signs Wednesday from Bradley, who pitched two scoreless innings without allowing a hit. He struck out two to follow starter Rubby De La Rosa’s two innings and two earned runs allowed to the Rockies.

Bradley’s fastball appeared a little faster than last year, topping out at 96 mph. His curve was on, and he survived toying with a new two-seam and changeup.

“I was really surprised,” said catcher Welington Castillo, who hadn’t caught for Bradley until Wednesday. “Fastball had a lot of life. OK changeup, he’s working on it. I was really impressed with his stuff today.”

One spring game may not mean much. But unlike last year, when Bradley forced Hale to consider him just before it was too late, a good start isn’t a bad thing.

“I’ve said this all spring, I say it very hesitantly: I’m feeling really, really good right now. I think everything I did in the offseason is paying off.

“I don’t know about making this rotation but my confidence level is always high,” he added. “I always believe in myself and always expect the most. Confidence is never an issue for me.”

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Lead-off man Jean Segura impressed with his bat, going 3-for-3 against the Rockies as he fights for a starting infield spot.

Catcher Welington Castillo showed off power with a double and a home run over the left field fence that got Arizona on the board.

UP NEXT

It’s Ray’s turn on Thursday to make his case for the starting rotation. He, Zack Godley and Keith Hessler are among the notable pitchers making their spring debuts.

The #DbacksSpring lineup for the #Dbacks‘ first Cactus League home game tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/3lEhyQ7SMO

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) March 3, 2016

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