Gibson: 'Taste' of big leagues would help Bradley

PHOENIX -- D-backs manager Kirk Gibson said a taste of the big leagues at some point this year would help top prospect Archie Bradley in 2015, but that it's too soon to say when, or if, that will happen.

"What I want Archie to do is continue to throw the ball well like he did his last start, get on a roll and be prepared for an opportunity should it arise," Gibson said.

Bradley, who is pitching for Double-A Mobile, allowed two runs on three hits over seven innings Saturday and struck out 10 while walking just one. It was the 21-year-old's fifth start for Mobile after being shut down earlier this summer with some elbow discomfort.

Bradley is using his secondary pitches -- his curve and changeup -- more than he has in the past according to Gibson and he has also been developing a two-seam fastball.

"That's kind of what you want to see," Gibson said. "You can't just rear back and throw it here. He's good, he's strong, mechanics are good. He's really working on his total pitch package and is becoming more comfortable in utilizing it."

Bradley lost out in a battle to win the No. 5 spot during Spring Training and then was set back with the elbow problem, but he still could find his way to the Majors this year before it's all said and done.

"You come up and get a taste, it's valuable going into next year, for sure," Gibson said. "Any experience he could get would certainly be valuable going into next year."