Shelby Miller secures 1st save for Diamondbacks after long journey

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    NEW YORK — Shelby Miller, who once held the promise of becoming a star pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks following a prominent trade in December 2015, may now find a new chapter as the team’s closer almost ten years later. On Thursday, Miller successfully secured his first save for Arizona by delivering a flawless ninth inning. This effort capped a 4-2 victory over the New York Mets.

    Reflecting on his accomplishment, Miller shared, “It’s always good to get a win, however we can do it, however I contribute, whether we’re up one or 10. I’ll pick up the ball whenever my name is called.” His save came on a day when Arizona was grappling with bullpen challenges. Justin Martinez was added to the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder inflammation, adding to the woe with A.J. Puk already on the 60-day injured list with a left elbow injury. Together, these two had recorded seven of the Diamondbacks’ initial nine saves.

    While Miller’s role as a consistent closer isn’t guaranteed, manager Torey Lovullo noted after Miller’s swift eight-pitch performance, “It doesn’t mean he’s going to close every game, but he’s going to get some save opportunities for sure.”

    The journey to this point has been a twist of fate for Miller, who was once hailed as a promising young starter. The Diamondbacks traded with the Atlanta Braves on Dec. 9, 2015, securing Miller in exchange for several players, including Dansby Swanson, the top pick of the 2015 draft.

    However, Miller’s trajectory took a downturn with Arizona, as he posted a 3-12 record with a 6.15 ERA in 2016, followed by Tommy John surgery after just four starts in 2017, which also marked Lovullo’s debut year as manager. Reflecting on the significance of Miller’s recent success, Lovullo remarked, “The fact that we’re connected that way, it does mean a lot.”

    Miller’s career saw him transitioning across three different teams, ultimately moving to a bullpen role by the time Dansby Swanson secured a World Series victory with the Braves in 2021. After a stint with the San Francisco Giants in 2022 and a 1.71 ERA with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, Miller made a notable return by appearing in a personal best of 51 games with the Detroit Tigers last year.

    Having inked a non-roster agreement with the Diamondbacks earlier in February, the 34-year-old right-hander has been effective, earning a 2-0 record with a flawless ERA through 13 appearances this season. His achievement on Thursday marked the fourth save of his major league career.

    Lovullo commended Miller’s perseverance, saying, “It’s a story of perseverance. For me, it’s a story about a guy that just is never giving up. He’s bounced around over the course of his career through a bunch of organizations, but he has never given up. And we’re getting those benefits now.”