26 Shelby Miller SP

Miller (elbow) tossed a scoreless inning in relief in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Padres.

Miller faced the minimum in the 16-pitch appearance, working around a leadoff walk to generate a double-play grounder and a fly out to escape the frame unscathed. The 27-year-old was making his first appearance since July 11 after right elbow inflammation once looked like it would prevent him from returning at any point in 2018. While Miller ran out of time to build up to a starter's workload, he'll likely be in the mix for a rotation spot next spring after finishing the campaign with his health intact. It's uncertain if he'll be vying for a starting role with Arizona, however, as the Diamondbacks could choose to non-tender him this winter in light of his shaky health and underwhelming numbers during his three years in the desert.

Miller (elbow) was activated from the 60-day disabled list Saturday.

Miller hasn't pitched since before the All-Star break while battling elbow inflammation. He's made just four starts for Arizona this year, allowing 21 runs (19 earned) in 15 innings. Christian Walker was placed on the 60-day disabled list with a facial fracture in a corresponding move.

Miller (elbow) threw a 27-pitch bullpen session Saturday, the Associated Press reports.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Miller "felt good" during the session, but it's unclear if the right-hander has enough time left to make an appearance before the regular season ends Sept. 30. If Miller is activated from the 60-day disabled list in the next two weeks, he'll be ticketed for a bullpen role since he won't be ready to handle a starter's workload.

Miller (elbow) is scheduled to extend his throwing distance off flat ground to 125 feet next week, the Associated Press reports.

Miller began his throwing program a little under two weeks ago and has been eased along slowly, as he has yet to graduate to mound work. That could happen shortly after he pushes his flat-ground distance to 125 feet, but it's still looking unlikely that Miller will return from the 60-day disabled list until the second half of September, at the earliest. If that ends up being the case, Miller would likely be deployed out of the bullpen, as he wouldn't have enough time to condition his arm for a starter's workload.

Miller (elbow) threw off flat ground Saturday from approximately 60 feet, the Associated Press reports.

Miller had been shut down for about five weeks with right elbow inflammation before the Diamondbacks cleared him to resume a throwing program. It's expected that the team will proceed cautiously in moving Miller through his rehab, given that he's just over 15 months removed from undergoing Tommy John surgery. Miller had made four starts for the big club before hitting the 60-day disabled list, but it's expected he'll return in a bullpen role if the Diamondbacks choose to activate him before the regular season draws to a close.