Early exit for Miller in Denver
D-Backs starter suffers tightness in his elbow
DENVER – Diamondbacks righthander Shelby Miller departed his start on Wednesday at Coors Field with right elbow tightness, an alarming development for a pitcher making just his fourth start back following Tommy John surgery.
Miller threw 37 pitches in an ugly,
five-run first inning. After being staked to an early 1-0 lead, he allowed four hits, including a three-run home run by Ian Desmond, and walked two.
At the end of the inning, Miller walked into the Diamondbacks’ dugout and headed to the tunnel, squeezing his right elbow as he descended the stairs.
Miller’s return from surgery has been nothing short of disastrous. In four starts back, he has allowed 19 earned runs in 15 innings, with the Diamondbacks losing each of the first three and in position to lose the fourth on Wednesday.
Miller had the surgery on May 10, 2017. He returned on June 25, a 13 1/2month timetable that, given recent protocols, is on the faster end of Tommy John recoveries.
When asked last month about trying not to get too worked up about every sensation he feels in his arm, he stressed that he felt perfectly healthy.
“It’s been 14 months since I’ve been pitching, so, of course, with every little thing you’re like, ‘Is this right? Is this wrong?’ ” Miller said.
“But I think overall I recovered pretty fast and pretty well so I think that’s just all part of it even when I was healthy before this you always get sore after games.
“It usually lasts a couple of days and after your bullpen you’re feeling pretty good. I think everything that I’m feeling in my arm is good, recovering well and positive. Like I said, I wouldn’t be here if they didn’t think I was right.”
Miller is certain to land on the disabled list and undergo tests on his elbow. The Diamondbacks would appear to have an obvious replacement for him in the rotation in right-hander Clay Buchholz, who is nearing a return from the disabled list following a left oblique strain.
Buchholz threw his second bullpen session since the injury on Tuesday and is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Friday.
The Diamondbacks won’t need a fifth starter until after the All-Star break, by which point, barring a setback, Buchholz should be ready.
Miller wasn’t the only pitcher to go down with an injury on Wednesday. Left-hander T.J. McFarland departed the game with neck tightness after throwing only five pitches.