After Miller plays OF, Hale defends last-resort move
PHOENIX -- After his team pulled off a pair of two-run comebacks in what looked like its final at-bat on Sunday, Diamondbacks manager was forced to do something he never wanted and the ensuing criticism came Monday.
A couple studio analysts for the MLB Network questioned how Hale could use pitcher Shelby Miller in left field in the 13th inning of an eventual 12-10 loss to the Pirates.
The Diamondbacks had used all of their position players when Miller ran for fellow starter Zack Greinke, who reached on an infield single in the 12th. After shortstop Nick Ahmed was ejected, Miller had to stay in the game.
"I don't want to have to pinch hit Zack Greinke; I don't want to put one of my pitchers in the outfield, ever," Hale said Monday before his team opened a four-game series against the Cardinals. "We don't want to pitch a position player. But it's a baseball game and we can't just throw in the towel and stop the game.
Zack Greinke (left) high fives teammate Shelby Miller as Miller replaces him as a pinch runner in the 12th inning Sunday against the Pirates.
"We put the guy out there we thought could handle it. Did we want the ball hit over his head and have to throw it into second base? Heck no."
Miller was the 42nd pitcher to play the outfield in the past 40 years, and the first since the Rockies' Jason Gurka last September.
Miller had two balls hit to him, including a double off the wall that he handled well and made a close play of at second base.
"I was trying the best I could," Miller said. "I was nervous, honestly. I didn't want to mess up.
"For us pitchers, we're always talking smack to each other. Who's the fastest? Who's going to get that opportunity to go out there? I have a little bragging rights now."
Said Hale: "Patrick (Corbin) is a good outfielder. Zack hits the best and Shelby probably runs the best.
"As soon as we sent the fifth position player down, we told all the starters you have to be ready every night. We might use you."
