Rangers sign D-backs free agent pitcher Shelby Miller
Jan 10, 2019, 3:03 PM | Updated: 6:29 pm
Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Shelby Miller waits for a new ball after giving up a three-run home run to Colorado Rockies' Ian Desmond during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 11, 2018, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The Shelby Miller era in the Valley is over.
The former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher has signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers, the team announced Wednesday.
The deal was initially reported by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, and is laced with incentives, per MLB.com’s Mark Fiensand. Those incentives can have Miller more than double his base salary from performance bonuses.
Miller was the primary return for the D-backs in a Dec. 2015 trade that sent No. 1 overall pick Dansby Swanson, outfielder Ender Inciarte and top-ranked pitching prospect Aaron Blair to the Atlanta Braves.
The deal was heavily criticized at the time and Miller’s performance throughout his stay with the D-backs didn’t help matters.
The right-hander had a rough go in his debut season with Arizona, posting a 6.15 ERA in 20 starts. A finger injury plagued him in 2016 and the next season would see him bothered by his right elbow.
After a decent bounce-back start of a 4.09 ERA through four starts, it was revealed in late April of 2017 that Miller had a torn UCL and required Tommy John Surgery.
In his return late last season, Miller posted an 11.40 ERA through four starts before once again landing on the disabled list due to right elbow inflammation. He made his one and only appearance after that on Sept. 29 in relief, giving up no runs in one inning.
The D-backs non-tendered Miller on Nov. 30, making him a free agent.
On the other side of the deal, Inciarte has won three straight Gold Gloves for Atlanta and was an All-Star in 2017.
Swanson has yet to get his bat rolling in the majors, hitting .232 in 2017 and .238 last season. The 24-year-old, though, still is highly regarded for his overall potential.
Blair struggled with consistency and injuries in Triple-A for the Braves before being released in late May after having surgery on his right shoulder.
