The Arizona Diamondbacks are giving a second chance to a guy that for most of the 2016 season, has been one of their offseason’s biggest mistakes.
According to Nick Piecoro of AZ Central, Shelby Miller will return from his Minor League stint to start on Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants.
I am told Dbacks will start Shelby Miller tomorrow afternoon in San Francisco.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) August 30, 2016
From Arizona’s perspective, this makes sense. Prior to being sent down, Miller had been dismal for the Diamondbacks all year. He posted a 2-9 record, 7.14 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 34 walks against only 50 strikeouts in 69.1 innings.
Letting him return at the pitcher-friendly confines of AT&T Park against a Giants’ offense that’s been inconsistent for most of the second half makes sense. That certainly sounds like a better option for Miller than Arizona’s next stop, Coors Field.
The slight problem is that non-contending teams like the D-Bbacks are generally expected to honor playoff races. While Coors Field may not be an ideal place for a pitcher getting back into MLB action, the Colorado Rockies are not playoff contenders.
Despite its second half struggles, San Francisco remains in contention for the NL West and presently holds a Wild Card spot. By doing this, the Diamondbacks are pushing Robbie Ray, who was scheduled for Wednesday’s start, back to the less meaningful Colorado game.
Still, it needs to be said that while Miller is a question mark at the Major League level, he’s pitched well in his Minor League assignment.
In eight starts with Triple-A Reno, Shelby Miller posted a 3.91 ERA with 55 strikeouts and 10 walks in 50 2/3 innings.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) August 30, 2016
Additionally, the team competing with the Giants — the Los Angeles Dodgers — will also get their crack at Miller. With him being bumped up, the Diamondbacks are now scheduled to throw Greinke, followed by Miller and Ray, when they take on the Dodgers from September 5-7.
Miller has not pitched for Arizona since July 6.