Feb 7, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley (2) throws in the bullpen during the first day of camp at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Diamondbacks top prospect Archie Bradley took another step towards his recovery Monday night pitching in a rehab outing Monday night. He is recovering from elbow issues something that has plauged baesball this year at both the minor league and major league level. Bradley threw three innings in a rookie exhibition contest at the Reds spring training complex in Goodyear. Bradley gave up a run in three innings striking out three. He hit 93 mph on the radar gun with his fastball.
This is what Bradley had to say about his outing talking to azcentral sports: “I felt good,” he said. “The biggest thing is my health and how I felt mechanically. Those two things came out well. As I got past that first inning, and in the second and third, I felt like I started to come into where I normally am.” What’s interesting about Bradley’s stint on the D.L is how positive he his about it saying that he has learned so much from it, and is a better pitcher for it. As much as I hate being on the DL, I’m going to use it to my advantage the best I can,” Bradley said. “I’m leaving here with a much-improved change-up and a two-seam. Those are two things I didn’t have before.” Maybe he can come back and be the Archie Bradley that we saw last year. Who knows maybe he can help the Dbacks in September, and get early big league experience.
This is what Diamondbacks Farm Directior Mike Bell had to say about Bradley talking to azcentral sports: “He’s starting to look like a complete pitcher out there.” Bradley is ranked as the no.9 prospect in the minors by Baseball America. His three inning outing was against a team comprised mostly of teenagers so we will see how he does when he returns to Reno. Obviously with the way this season is going, the Snakes are in no rush with his recovery. Bradley competed for 5th starters spot in spring training losing to Randall Delgado who is now in the bullpen after struggling as a starter. In five starts with the Aces, he had a 5.18 era. Hopefuly that is attributed to his elbow issues.
We wish the best for Bradley and hope he can return to being an ace.