D-backs LHP Dallas Keuchel limits damage during inefficient team debut

Arizona Diamondbacks starter Dallas Keuchel took the hill at Chase Field for the first time Sunday and provided 4.1 of three-run ball before getting the hook against the Detroit Tigers.

Reliever J.B. Wendelken entered in the fifth and allowed an inherited runner to score, closing the book on Keuchel’s team debut at 4.1 innings, four earned runs and a season-high seven punch outs.

Keuchel started off with an efficient 12-pitch 1-2-3 first inning capped by fielding a 1-3 putout against Tigers designated hitter Miguel Cabrera.

He struggled getting ahead of hitters from there, which led to long at-bats and a quickly rising pitch count.

Dallas Keuchel starts off his @Dbacks career with a 1-2-3 first inning. pic.twitter.com/2Q7FWdgZ2g

— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) June 26, 2022

Keuchel allowed three consecutive hits for a pair of runs in the second inning.

Detroit right fielder Willi Castro smoked a two-run triple to center field, and the veteran southpaw stranded Castro on third with one out.

Keuchel dealt with two runners aboard and one out in the third frame but managed consecutive punch outs to escape. The lefty sat down youngsters Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson with low changeups.

The 34-year-old threw 68 pitches through three innings with 37 strikes.

Keuchel struck out the first two hitters in the fourth before allowing a single, his second walk and an RBI knock from Robbie Grossman.

Manager Torey Lovullo sent the Keuchel back out for the fifth, and the lefty sat down Cabrera looking at a sinker before issuing a walk.

He exited there at 98 pitches.

Keuchel relied on his sinker, cutter and changeup Sunday afternoon.

The start was Keuchel’s first MLB appearance since May 26 when he allowed six earned runs in two innings with the Chicago White Sox.

Arizona was in need of a fifth starter after Humberto Castellanos went on the 10-day injured list June 1 and was transferred to the 60-day IL June 17. Keuchel signed a minor league deal with the organization on June 7 after getting designated for assignment by Chicago.

The D-backs defeated the Tigers 11-7 Sunday afternoon.

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