D-backs’ Shelby Miller struggles in third rehab start

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Shelby Miller had a rough go of it during his third rehab start on Sunday.

Playing with the Double-A Jackson Generals, Miller gave up nine hits and eight earned runs in three innings of work. He walked two batters and struck out four, throwing 65 pitches total.

The runs came in a hurry for the right-hander.

The 27-year-old allowed five runs in the first inning and three more in the second before throwing a scoreless third.

Miller has been sidelined for more than a year after tearing his UCL against the Dodgers in April of 2017.

With an injury-riddled starting rotation — Robbie Ray has been out since April 29 with a right oblique strain and Taijuan Walker made just three starts before having Tommy John surgery — D-backs general manager Mike Hazen has guaranteed that Miller will return to the D-backs’ rotation once he returns from injury.

In his first rehab start with High-A Visalia, Miller threw 65 pitches, 52 of which were strikes, allowing one run while striking out eight. He followed up that success by allowing one earned run and four hits in 4.2 innings for Jackson. Before that, he had made three starts of extended spring training.

Miller’s stint in Arizona has been rocky as he’s dealt with injuries and struggles on the mound. He saw an uptick in performance in 2017 compared to 2016, compiling a 2-2 record and a 4.09 ERA in four starts prior to his season-ending UCL tear.

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