Miller to make second rehab start before return

PHOENIX -- Shelby Miller feels he is ready to return to the big league mound. The D-backs don't feel the same way, as manager Chip Hale announced on Saturday that the right-hander will make another rehab start before returning to the Majors.
"Just keep refining everything, making sure his stuff's crisp," Hale said. "Get his pitch count up again to where we want it."
Miller went on the 15-day disabled list on May 27 with a right index finger sprain. Prior to that, the 25-year-old had been a disappointment for Arizona, going 1-6 with a 7.09 ERA in 10 outings, only one of which was a quality start. Miller made his first rehab start for Class A Advanced Visalia on Thursday. He pitched six scoreless innings, allowing two hits with 11 strikeouts and no walks.
"You're facing A-ball guys, so you can't really base too much off of what you do, but moreso past the numbers was how I felt, and I felt good mechanically," Miller said. "Everything felt a little bit smoother and simpler."
Hale said Miller will likely be pitching for Visalia again in his next rehab start.
The D-backs traded a package that included last year's No. 1 overall pick Dansby Swanson to Atlanta in the offseason to acquire Miller. But he has not looked like the starter who posted a 3.33 ERA in three seasons with the Cardinals and a career-best 3.02 mark with the Braves in 2015.
"Hopefully I'm back as soon as possible, I'm ready to help this team win however I can, I want to get back into the rotation and start pitching like I know I can," Miller said. "I'm ready to start pitching in some games. For what it's worth, I can go out on another rehab start and get one under my belt there, but mentally and physically I feel ready to perform here and start winning games here."