SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Angels played a good chunk Wednesday with most of the batting order that helped them win the AL West in 2014. Because of that, Diamondbacks manager Chip Hale knew he could be pleased with his second pitcher.
After starter Robbie Ray gave up two earned runs in three innings, Randall Delgado took the mound and opened eyes. Delgado went three innings at Salt River Fields, struck out five and did not allow a hit in a 6-5 Arizona win.
It's who he did that against that adds context.
In the top of the 6th, Delgado caught 2014 AL MVP Mike Trout looking on a 94-mph fastball in a full count. Delgado used a change-up to get the best of Albert Pujols, and finished off his 1-2-3 inning with a four-pitch swinging strikeout of David Freese.
"I said this from Day 1: The hitters will let you know, and today the hitters let us know he's pretty good," Hale said of Delgado. "He looked fantastic. That was really a big step forward for him."
Delgado played 47 games for Arizona last year, all but four out of the bullpen. But the two seasons prior, he was mostly a starter for the D-backs in 2013 and for the Braves in 2012. Hale said Delgado is in the mix to earn a starting job, and through 7 innings this spring, he's backed up that thought. Through five innings pitched this spring, he has seven Ks.
"I'm feeling good physically," Delgado said. "I'm just trying to bring to the game what I've been learning."
Robbie Ray
Ray's second spring appearance went three innings, and he allowed three runs -- two earned -- on three hits. He struck out two and walked one on 41 pitches. Ray's fastball command could have been better, he recovered after being beaten up through the first two innings. He made quick work of the Angels in the third inning.
"I pitch off my fastball and guys know that and take advantage of it," Ray said. "That last inning, you saw I mixed in some breaking balls and it went 1-2-3."
Ray is working on finding a comfortable grip for a hybrid slider-curve. He wants the pitch to have the same motion and intensity as his fastball that hitters are expecting.
"Those hitters were pretty good," Hale said. "(Ray) got tested, got through his three innings, got some damage against him. Can't say he was great, but he did a good job and got through it."
Braden Shipley
In two innings, Shipley allowed one earned run and four hits. He struck out one of the 11 batters he faced.
Second baseman Brandon Drury continued to shine. He leads the D-backs regulars with a .462 average and had a home run Wednesday. ... Comedian Will Ferrell will play for the D-backs and their opponent, the Cincinnati Reds, as he makes his way to five Cactus League games on Thursday ... A day after pointing out Yasmany Tomas has dealt with periods where his focus wasn't there, Hale reiterated he was looking for more concentration from his third baseman. Tomas played DH against the Angels and Hale liked what he saw aside from a pop-up while swinging at the wrong pitch (the D-backs had bases loaded and one out) ... The D-backs will hold a 'B' game at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, where shortstop Chris Owings will play for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery. Opening Day pitcher Josh Collmenter will start the early game for Arizona.
The D-backs received the bad news that catcher and Rule 5 pick Oscar Hernandez broke his hamate bone in his left hand. He'll be out around six weeks ... Shortstop Chris Owings, on the comeback from a shoulder injury, took live batting practice against reliever Brad Ziegler, who himself took the mound for the first time since undergoing microfracture surgery on his knee. Owings and Ziegler both said they felt good ... Closer Addison Reed took in bullpen sessions for the first time Wednesday after being shut down because of arm soreness to start camp ... Matt Stites is in a similar position and a day behind Reed ... Kevin Munson, who was likewise shut down, began playing catch, Hale said.
Probable pitchers: Arizona -- RHP Allen Webster, LHP Andrew Chafin, RHP J.C. Ramirez, LHP Dan Runzler, LHP Will Locante, RHP Enrique Burgos. Cincinnati -- RHP Mike Leake, RHP Burke Badenhop, RHP Nate Adcock, RHP Matt Magill, THP Raisel Iglesias
Brad Ziegler back on the bump today for the #Dbacks https://t.co/vidmWwF9Ar
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) March 11, 2015
Probable pitchers: Arizona -- RHP Josh Collmenter, RHP Tim Crabbe, LHP Oliver Perez, RHP Evan Marshall. Cincinnati -- RHP Nick Howard, LHP Manny Parra, RHP Jumbo Diaz, LHP Ismael Guillon
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