D-backs’ Shelby Miller pitches five innings, strikes out eight in rehab start

Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Shelby Miller continues his comeback from Tommy John surgery, with his latest step being a rehab start in Class A Advanced Visalia on Tuesday.

Miller pitched five innings, giving up one run and striking out eight for the Rawhide against the San Jose Giants. He allowed five hits and did not walk a batter.

The 27-year-old was on a pitch count of 70-75 and threw 65 in San Jose.

D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said prior to Monday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds that Miller had “hit every landmark perfectly” on his path back.

Lovullo spoke with Miller on Tuesday after his start.

“He was very encouraged by what he did on the mound,” Lovullo said. “I just told him that I was really happy for what he had done tonight.”

Miller had pitched in three extended spring games prior to the outing.

Arizona has been without Robbie Ray since April 29 due to a right oblique strain and Taijuan Walker made only three starts before also having Tommy John surgery.

Miller would likely take the spot in the rotation of either Matt Koch or Clay Buchholz. Koch has been decent through eight starts, posting a 4.33 ERA while Buchholz has a terrific 1.64 ERA through his first two outings for Arizona. Kris Medlen and Troy Scribner also made starts for the D-backs.

Despite being without three major names in the rotation, Arizona entered Tuesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds with the No. 11 ERA for starting pitching at 3.88, per Fangraphs.

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