Shelby Miller ‘excited’ to get back on the mound for D-backs

It’s been over a year since Shelby Miller graced the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks, but the wait is finally over.

Miller will make his first start of the season on Monday when the D-backs take on the Miami Marlins. It will be the first time he takes the mound in the majors since undergoing Tommy John surgery for a torn UCL he suffered last season against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“For me personally, it’s a huge accomplishment,” Miller told reporters on Thursday. “It’s been a long road. I’ve had so many people help me from the guys over at Salt River, all of our big-league trainers here, strength coaches who have helped me get to his point.”

Leading up to his upcoming debut, Miller made four rehab starts this season with various Minor League teams.

The 27-year-old had a 3.71 ERA in 19.1 innings, allowing 10 runs on 20 hits and just a single homer. Miller also struck out 28 batters and walked six more.

Arguably his best start during his rehab process was also his last.

Playing with Single-A Visalia, Miller went 6.2 innings, allowing just three hits and no runs on 81 pitches (56 strikes). He also struck out 10 and did not register a walk. He saw his fastball reach 95 mph.

Asked if he has any personal goals set for himself in his debut, Miller admitted that his only focus is on the team as a whole.

“I just want to get back to competing in big-league ballgames and pitching,” he said. “I just thoroughly enjoy pitching and the competitiveness in that. Doing it as a team is more fun.

“That’s more so what I am looking forward to.”

First pitch for Monday’s game is set for 4:10 p.m. You can catch all the action by tuning into ESPN 620 AM.

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