Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Shelby Miller’s strong start has earned him more trust with manager Torey Lovullo, who has begun to give him more high-leverage opportunities out of the bullpen.
Through five appearances this season, Miller has yet to allow a run across six innings, walking one and striking out five.
His first three outings came either with a big lead or with the Diamondbacks trailing. His past two, however, have come in the seventh inning with the Diamondbacks in front.
Lovullo said pitching coach Brian Kaplan urged him to expand Miller’s role.
“(Kaplan) has been very bullish on Shelby Miller from the first time he saw him (this spring),” Lovullo said. “Shelby, you could see he has been thrust into a little bit more of a role than what was to be expected early on. He has done a very good job.”
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Lovullo said he is considering doing the same with left-hander Jalen Beeks.
It seems the high-leverage opportunities are coming at the expense of left-hander Joe Mantiply, who has entered with the Diamondbacks trailing in each of his past three outings, including on Friday, April 11, when he gave up four runs in the eighth inning to the Brewers. Mantiply has given up eight runs in 5 2/3 innings this season.
Lovullo expressed confidence that Mantiply, whose fastball velocity is down a tick from last year, will get back on track.
“Joe’s going to be fine,” Lovullo said. “He’s going to get a little tailwind and get big outs for us all year long.”
Brewers at Diamondbacks, 5:10 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34
Diamondbacks RHP Corbin Burnes (0-1, 5.79) vs. Brewers RHP Chad Patrick (1-0, 2.45)
At Chase Field: Burnes turned in his second consecutive unimpressive outing of the season on April 6, allowing four runs in five innings to the Nationals. … Burnes has yet to see the sixth inning in either start, a disappointing start to his Diamondbacks career after signing a $210 million deal in the winter. … This will be the second time Burnes has faced his former team. He allowed three runs (two earned) in five innings in an outing last April. … Patrick will also be facing his former organization. The Diamondbacks drafted him in the fourth round in 2021 and traded him two years later, sending him to Oakland for IF Jace Peterson. The Brewers acquired him a few months later for IF Abraham Toro. … He has made three appearances, the past two of which were starts. Most recently, he went 5 1/3 innings against the Reds, giving up one run on two hits and three walks with four strikeouts. … He averages 92-93 mph with his fastball and also mixes in a cutter and the occasional change-up.
Coming up
Sunday, April 13: At Chase Field, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Zac Gallen (1-2, 5.28) vs. Brewers RHP Freddy Peralta (1-1, 2.00).
Monday, April 14: Off.
Tuesday, April 15: At Miami, 3:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (2-1, 7.20) vs. Marlins RHP Max Meyer (1-1, 2.00).
Wednesday, April 16: At Miami, 3:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (2-1, 3.50) vs. Marlins RHP Connor Gillispie (0-1, 3.86).
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
