Right-hander Shelby Miller has won his salary arbitration case with the D-backs, according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, and will earn $4.9 million in 2018, his second year of arbitration eligibility.
Miller's 2018 salary is an increase from the $4.7 million he earned last year, which was the same figure the D-backs proposed.
Miller, 27, is coming off a season that was cut short after four starts due to an ulnar collateral ligament tear in his right elbow that required Tommy John surgery in May. It was a significant blow for Miller and the D-backs, and not just for time lost. Following a brutal 2016 in which he went 3-12 with a 6.15 ERA and was eventually sent to the Minors -- after the club made an aggressive offseason trade with Atlanta to acquire him -- Miller had shown glimpses of promise. He went 2-2 with a 4.09 ERA over 22 innings and increased his avearge four-seam fastball velocity to 94.8 mph.
A once-promising prospect in the Cardinals' organization, Miller was acquired by Arizona from the Braves on Dec. 9, 2015, with the intent of forming a 1-2 punch in the starting rotation with free-agent acquisition Zack Greinke. The D-backs traded former No. 1 overall Draft pick Dansby Swanson, Gold Glove Award-winning center fielder Ender Inciarte and pitcher Aaron Blair for Miller, who was an All-Star in his lone season with Atlanta.
Miller, who was among the D-backs' 15 arbitration-eligible players this offseason, an MLB high, is expected to miss half of the season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
Arbitration hearings began on Wednesday, and this offseason could see as many as 25 decisions, according to The Associated Press.