Shelby Miller strikes out 8 with Visalia as he eyes return to D-backs

Making his second rehab start with High-A Visalia, Diamondbacks pitcher Shelby Miller made the case for a return to the majors sooner rather than later.

Miller pitched six innings and struck out eight Bakersfield batters Tuesday night, allowing six hits and three runs — only one was earned.

By the numbers, that might persuade Arizona to recall Miller to the majors. A return would line him up to start this Sunday at Philadelphia, likely replacing Zack Godley in the rotation.

Manager Chip Hale said earlier Tuesday the D-backs hadn’t yet decided who would start in the second game of their upcoming road trip, but general manager Dave Stewart and rehab pitching coordinator Brad Arnsberg traveled to Bakersfield to watch Miller, a sign the team is hoping to make a decision.

In his previous start with Visalia, Miller needed just 78 pitches to go six clean innings while allowing two hits and striking out 11.

On Tuesday, Miller stretched himself out to 100 pitches, 69 for strikes, and just as importantly walked only one batter and induced seven groundouts on the evening.

Miller (1-6, 7.09 ERA) originally found himself on the disabled list after struggling with command and injuries his index finger. Hale called Miller’s finger “100 percent” Tuesday on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s Burns and Gambo show.

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