Shelby Miller suffering from “right forearm tightness”, will have MRI

Shelby Miller did not have his best control this afternoon, walking three batters in the first four innings. But he then walked the first two in the fifth, including the opposing pitcher, and with a notable drop in velocity. After giving up the double which tied the game, he was lifted. But what was notable and set alarm bells ringing, was that it wasn’t just Torey Lovullo who came to the mound and made the call to the bullpen - he was accompanied by the team trainer.

After the game, more specific information came out regarding the nature of the injury:

An MRI has been scheduled, and we’ll wait and see what that says. The pessimist in me is expecting this to be followed by a visit to Dr. James Andrews and Tommy John surgery, because those 99 mph fastball Miller was reaching back to find, had to have their price. Let’s hope I’m wrong there, and this is simply something which can be addressed by a spot of rest. He did seem hopeful after the game.

It seems very likely Miller will miss at least one start, and with the disabled list now requiring only a 10-day stay (particularly convenient for starting pitchers), a move would thus be made. My immediate instinct is to see Archie Bradley move back into the rotation and cover Miller’s spot, but Clefo noted on Twitter that today was also Anthony Banda’s day to start for Reno - he struck out 11 - so it’s possible we could see him called, and Bradley left in the bullpen.

Obviously, this is a developing story, and represents a significant hurdle for the D-backs, who have had a pleasantly surprising start to their 2017 campaign.