Randall Delgado hasn’t pitched since July 15, 2017, when he suffered a strained oblique. When he left, no one could have guessed it would be nearly a calendar year since he would be ready to pitch in a big league game again.
Delgado came in ready to pitch in spring training but was put on the 60-day disabled list with a shoulder injury.
On Friday, the Diamondbacks activated Delgado, adding another piece to a bullpen that is second in the league in ERA.
“We have some versatility early in the game that we can go to,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “We have someone we can go to late if needed. He is not rattled by any situation. He can command the strike zone with two to three pitches at any time and he’s got a proven track record to go out and get outs. We’re all excited to get Randall back.”
Delgado threw 8.1 innings with a 3.24 ERA and seven strikeouts while rehabbing in Triple-A Reno and had to revisit what it’s like facing hitters.
“It was kind of weird the first couple innings because it was like a while (facing) hitters,” Delgado said. “With a couple outings, I started feeling better and am good now.”
Lovullo said it would be ideal to get Delgado in some low-pressure scenarios at the big league level to get Delgado up to speed, but feels confident putting him in any scenario the team needs.
His pitcher agrees.
“Mentally and physically, I feel (ready), but it’s been a while,” Delgado said.
“I’m trying to help with whatever the team needs. Every time I have the chance, (I want) to try to do my job.”
Delgado logged 62.2 innings with 60 strikeouts and 3.59 ERA in 2017. His 2017 was cut short, and his 2018 may be starting later than he thought it would, but he is back at Chase Field and ready to help the Diamondbacks continue their playoff push.
“It seems like it took forever, but we’re here. I’m ready.”
