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Cahill strikes out nine in first rehab start

PHOENIX -- D-backs right-hander Trevor Cahill made his first injury-rehab start on Thursday night in an Arizona League game at Salt River Fields.

Cahill, who was placed on the disabled list July 1 with a right hip contusion, allowed one unearned run on one hit while striking out nine and walking two in five innings against the Angels rookie team.

"I was just trying to get a feel for everything," Cahill said. "I threw a good mix of everything. Curveball was good, cutter was good -- fastball, I was throwing more four-seamers."

Though he went on the DL for the hip, Cahill experienced some shoulder soreness when he first began throwing a couple of weeks ago. That, though, was a one-day occurrence.

When he woke up Friday morning, he knew it had been a while since he had been on a mound.

"Definitely a little sore," he said. "But nothing unusual."

The team has not decided whether Cahill will pitch on the fifth or sixth day following Thursday's start and whether it will be for Triple-A Reno, though that seems likely.

Cahill was not sure if he would need one or two more rehab starts before being ready to be activated.

"It's tough to say," he said. "Yesterday I definitely felt like I was getting tired. So I want to get back to where I can throw 110 pitches and be normal tired coming out of the game."

Cahill has used the time on the DL to work on his mechanics a bit. While struggling to a 3-10 record and 4.66 ERA before the injury, Cahill has tried to be more consistent with his release point and to use his legs more during his delivery.

Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Inside the D-backs, and follow him on Twitter @SteveGilbertMLB. Tyler Emerick is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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