- Slug: Sports-Diamondbacks Godley, 460 words
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By JOSE ESPARZA
Cronkite News
PHOENIX —Just as the dawn of a promising spring for the Arizona Diamondbacks appeared, so, too, did an ominous cloud as the team learned Tommy John surgery would end the season of one of its starters.
“When you lose a player like Shelby Miller with the potential that he has, things can come crashing down on you pretty quick,” manager Torey Lovullo said.
Enter Zack Godley, a right-hand pitcher who gave the Diamondbacks another quality start, this time against the Pittsburgh Pirates, by allowing only three runs and striking out six in six innings Wednesday against Pittsburgh.
In six starts, Godley has posted a 2.39 ERA, giving up 10 runs and recording 32 strikeouts.
The Diamondbacks needed help after the announcement of Miller’s surgery in late April. The team was 15-11 at the time with playoff aspirations.
“Zack is very confident and he is deserving of each start,” Lovullo said. “Credit to him for getting the job done and credit to player development for making sure that he is ready.”
In the wake of Miller’s injury, Godley became a key asset. He was called up from the minors and stepped up majorly.
Godley made his major league debut in 2015 and bounced between the majors and minors for several seasons. He has been a pleasant surprise and continues to look comfortable on the mound.
“He’s got a good sinker, he’s got a good cutter. He’s starting to mix up the curveball, change-up. He’s got all four pitches,” teammate Chris Owings said. “He just goes out there and competes. That’s the theme with all our pitchers.”
Godley went 12 innings without allowing a run before he gave up two against Pittsburgh Wednesday in the fifth.
The Diamondbacks have not confirmed if Godley will start for the rest of the season but has put himself good position to secure a spot in the rotation.
“I can only control what I can control. That’s all I can do,” Godley said. “I hope I can continue to keep doing that and keep moving forward.”
Before the Diamondbacks’ call-up, Godley teased a no-hitter for the Reno Aces. He went six innings without allowing a hit and struck out seven. He was named Pacific Coast League pitcher of the week after the performance.
The Diamondbacks are in the middle of an 11-game road trip and continue to assess Godley’s play. He has provided enough quality starts to suggest he belongs in the rotation.
“We miss Shelby and we love Shelby. But Zack has done a great job picking him up,” Lovullo said.
The Diamondbacks continue to roll and were 10 games above .500 (32-22) entering Wednesday’s game against Pittsburgh.
They travel to Miami to play the Marlins for their last destination of their long road-trip.