Watch: D-backs’ Miller throws for first time since Tommy John surgery
Oct 11, 2017, 11:58 AM
His birthday isn’t the only thing he’s celebrating. Yesterday, @ShelbyMiller19 threw a baseball for the first time since his surgery. pic.twitter.com/uywk5ETSNG
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) October 11, 2017
Diamondbacks starting pitcher Shelby Miller threw for the first time on Monday since his Tommy John surgery on May 10.
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said he threw out to 45 feet and tossed the baseball 30-40 times. He will continue light throwing for “several weeks” before being shut down for November and December.
Lovullo said Miller, who went 2-2 with a 4.09 ERA in four starts to begin the year, will be placed on a throwing program heading into spring training.
There is no timetable for Miller’s return and no indication as to whether he will be able to compete for a role in spring.
“Consistent with what I’ve been saying all year long, it’s a case-by-case situation,” Lovullo said Tuesday of Miller’s recovery, adding the team will listen to medical advice and Miller’s own evaluation to determine how to handle his rehab. “That’ll tell us when it’s the right time.”
The D-backs acquired Miller in a December 2015 trade that shipped outfielder Ender Inciarte, 2015 first overall pick Dansby Swanson and pitching prospect Aaron Blair to the Atlanta Braves.
Miller struggled mightily in his first year with Arizona, going 3-12 with a 6.15 ERA that led to a Triple-A demotion toward the end of 2016.
