Delgado shows his value in D-backs' bullpen
Reliever pitches in third straight game, goes two frames in extras for win
SAN FRANCISCO -- Before Thursday night's game, the one pitcher in the bullpen that the D-backs planned on not having available was Randall Delgado, who had seen action in two straight games.
But in the 11th inning, D-backs manager Chip Hale looked at his bullpen and there was only one man left in it: Delgado.
"We don't like to do that," Hale said of using a reliever three straight days. "He's the one guy that we knew going in [could do it]; that's why we kind of took him out of that starting role pretty quickly, because he has the ability and flexibility to go three days in a row if we needed it. We really pushed him, so we're hoping to give him two or three days off because he needs it. But he really showed a lot of guts last night, especially going out for that second inning."
Delgado wound up coming in and throwing the final two frames as the D-backs beat the Giants, 7-6, in 12 innings.
"As the game went on, I was like, 'I might have to pitch tonight,' so I just tried to stay focused and prepared," Delgado said of his mindset Thursday. "I just tried to do the best I could."
Video: LAA@ARI: Delgado strikes out five over three frames
Delgado has been impressive out of the 'pen this year. After an outstanding spring, he has only allowed two runs over his last 11 appearances dating back to last year.
Delgado has always had a very good changeup to go with his fastball, but last year he was finally able to gain control of his breaking ball. Having all three pitches working makes it hard for opposing hitters to sit on a certain pitch.