Arizona Diamondbacks – Notebook on Bradley, Segura, lineup

Archie Bradley of the Arizona Diamondbacks will be closely monitored during his Sunday outing against the Reds. 

Right-hander Archie Bradley didn’t make the 25-man roster out of spring training, but the Arizona Diamondbacks knew they would need him at some point this season.

Bradley made two starts at Triple-A Reno. Then, he was called up on April 18 for a spot start against the San Francisco Giants. Here, Beadley gave up five earned runs in 4.1 innings. and sent back to Triple-A Reno after the game.

After logging two more quality starts with Reno, Bradley rejoined the Diamondbacks for another spot start on May 9 at Coors Field. In this one, Bradley allowed four runs in six innings and picked up the win. Despite showing improvement, the 23-year-old right hander was back in Reno the next day.

A second demotion to the minors didn’t faze Bradley, one of two first round picks (seventh overall)  by the Arizona Diamodnabcks in 2011. Bradley threw a career-high eight shutout innings on May 21, and he was back with the Snakes seven days later. With Rubby De La Rosa on the disabled list, he was given the opportunity to pitch every fifth day.

The months of June and July were a great period for Bradley. In 11 starts across 64.1 innings, he went 2-6 with a 3.64 ERA.

However, August has been a different story. In five starts this month, and coming into hsi Sunday start against Cincinnati, Bradley is 0-2 with an 8.55 ERA.

Bradley says his arm feels fine, but the Diamondbacks are concerned about the number of innings he has logged this year.

“I’d like to keep pitching,” Bradley said. “I feel healthy. I’m not really getting fatigued, even though the velo (velocity) may dip here and there. I think it’s sometimes just mechanical issues, and that’s the way the season goes sometimes.”

After his last start, Bradley and his coaches found a mechanical flaw that they believe led to spotty fastball command.

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His fastball velocity has dropped every month this season. In April, he was averaging 94.69 on the radar gun, but this month it is 92.63.

Bradley threw less than 170 innings in 2014 and 2015 combined after experiencing shoulder and elbow issues. He is sitting on 145.2 innings between Reno and the Diamondbacks in 2016.

If Bradley remains in the rotation for the rest of the season, he will approach 185 innings. The organization is keeping this in mind as they evaluate how to proceed.

Hale refused to give a timetable for Bradley. He is being evaluated on a start to start basis along with the Diamondbacks other young starters.

“He’s starting Sunday,” Hale said. “That’s as far as I’ll go with anybody.”

His start against the Reds coukd go a long way to determining his 2016 future.

Next: Godley rocked in last start

Elsewhere

• Jean Segura is out of today’s lineup with an upset stomach. He was removed from last night’s game after two innings.
• Paul Goldschmidt is also not starting today, but he is available to come off the bench if needed.
• Hale said he had planned on giving Goldschmidt a day off this home stand. The Diamondbacks have an off day tomorrow.
• Brandon Drury gets the nod at second, and Phil Gosselin will play first base and bat leadoff.
• Andrew Chafin felt good after throwing a bullpen session on July 3. The left hander will throw a simulated game on Monday. He is on the same schedule as Rubby De La Rosa.
• A.J. Pollock was supposed to be given the day off today, but he is batting third and playing center.
• Yasmany Tomas was given a cautionary day off today. Hale said Tomas is still experiencing mid-back tightness.
• Rickie Weeks Jr. is starting in left field and Michael Bourn will play in right.
• Weeks 21 career home runs against the Reds are the most against any opponent. He owns a .500 career average (14-for-28) off today’s Reds starter Homer Bailey. Weeks’ eight career RBI off Bailey are the most against any pitcher.