PHOENIX -- Archie Bradley was a key piece of the D-backs' push to the postseason last year. But the hard-throwing right-hander isn't having the same success this September.
Bradley gave up two runs and recorded only one out during the eighth inning of Friday's 5-3 win over the Braves, and he has allowed five runs over 1 2/3 innings (27.00 ERA) in four appearances this month, entering Saturday.
Manager Torey Lovullo said after Friday's game that he may change Bradley's role moving forward. On Saturday, Lovullo said he planned to speak with Bradley prior to the game to discuss that potential role shift, while also seeing how the right-hander is dealing with his recent struggles.
"We always want to put players in the best position to be successful, so wherever that spot is, I'll hopefully do my best to find it for Archie," Lovullo said. "It's hard to tell with Archie where his confidence level is. He's a very innately confident player. That's one of the things I love about him, I think he has minimal fear of failure and he wants to go out there and dominate. And I still see that."
Bradley has pitched key innings for the D-backs. In his first 68 appearances, he entered before the seventh only once, and he's predominantly pitched in the eighth.
Last year, Bradley posted a 1.73 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in 63 appearances and became a fan favorite as the D-backs earned the second National League Wild Card berth.
In order for Arizona to return to the postseason, Lovullo said he knows he'll need more quality innings from Bradley. And he's confident that will happen.
"Archie's had a lot of success being a fastball-curveball pitcher," Lovullo said. "I just think he's misfiring and mislocating, and maybe lacking some finish. … I don't think Archie needs a major overhaul. He's really close to being what he was last year."
The D-backs could use veteran right-hander Brad Ziegler and lefty Jake Diekman, both of whom were acquired at the non-waiver Trade Deadline, in high-leverage situations, along with Yoshihisa Hirano and closer Brad Boxberger.
Miller making progress
Lovullo said right-hander Shelby Miller (right elbow inflammation) threw off flat ground on Friday and was scheduled to continue his throwing program on Saturday. Miller will soon throw a bullpen session.
It is still uncertain if Miller will return before the end of this season to pitch out of the bullpen. Lovullo said the Miller felt "super" after the flat-ground session, but he will not be stretched out to starting this year.
"We're not going to rush anything," Lovullo said.
Lovullo wins bet with Bradley
Lovullo and Bradley had a bet on Saturday's UCLA-Oklahoma football game. Their line was Oklahoma by 30.5 points, with Lovullo taking the under and Bradley the over.
Oklahoma won, 49-21, meaning Lovullo, who played baseball at UCLA and graduated in 1987, won the bet. Bradley is from Muskogee, Okla., and was committed to play football for the Sooners when he was drafted by the D-backs in 2011.
As a result of Lovullo's win, Bradley will have to wear a UCLA jersey all day in the clubhouse before next Saturday's game vs. the Astros in Houston.