PHOENIX — Arizona Diamondbacks closer Shelby Miller avoided surgery and has started a throwing program after seeking a second opinion for a right flexor strain, manager Torey Lovullo said on Thursday.

The Diamondbacks placed Miller on the 15-day injured list retroactive to July 6, and he went for a second opinion with orthopedic surgeon Keith Meister — who performed Justin Martinez’s season-ending elbow surgery.

“Shelby, the doctors all decided that he can go out there and begin a throwing program and get back on the mound,” Lovullo said as the D-backs reconvened for optional workouts before the end of the All-Star break.

“I was trying to remain as optimistic as possible. This is probably the best news we could have hoped for in the situation we were dealing with Shelby.”

Lovullo did not have a timeline for Miller to get back on a mound, but the right-hander played “very aggressive” catch on Thursday. His last appearance was on July 5.

“He was driving the bus on this decision,” Lovullo said.

Miller re-joined the Diamondbacks on a minor league contract during spring training, made the team and established himself as a high-leverage reliever.

He had been acting as the closer when he landed on the IL after season-ending surgeries for Martinez and A.J. Puk. Miller has made 37 appearances this season with a 1.98 ERA and 10 saves.

Diamondbacks skipper Torey Lovullo had some promising injury updates today regarding Shelby Miller, Eugenio Suarez and others. pic.twitter.com/FxORzGzXQA

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) July 18, 2025

Diamondbacks ‘dodged a bullet’ with Eugenio Suarez

D-backs All-Star third baseman Eugenio Suarez was hit by a pitch on his left hand during Tuesday’s All-Star Game by White Sox hurler Shane Smith — who had hit Suarez in the hand with a pitch just last month.

Suarez remained in the game and made a highlight barehanded defensive play at third base. X-rays after the game were negative, although the issue caused him to bow out of the game-deciding swing-off.

Lovullo on Thursday said Suarez told him he is fine and ready to play on when games resume on Friday.

“They evaluated him and it’s just a contusion,” Lovullo said. “I’ve been in contact with Geno via text. … Feels like we dodged a bullet.”

Here’s Torey Lovullo’s update on Eugenio Suarez: pic.twitter.com/1sj4RsZO0k

— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) July 18, 2025

More Diamondbacks injury notes

– Fellow relievers Jalen Beeks (lower back inflammation) and Ryan Thompson (scapular strain) have started their respective throwing programs as they work their way back from the IL. The D-backs’ bullpen is in a tough spot with numerous injuries, but reinforcements are at least on the right path.

– Catcher Gabriel Moreno has not yet been cleared for full baseball activities due to a fractured pointer finger on his right hand. He will have a CT scan next week. Pavin Smith has also not started baseball activities with his oblique strain, but Lovullo said Smith is feeling better than expected at this point.

Adrian Del Castillo is coming back

There are no official roster moves yet, but catching prospect Adrian Del Castillo and veteran relief pitcher Trevor Richards had lockers in Arizona’s clubhouse on Thursday.

This will be Del Castillo’s second MLB opportunity after he debuted last season and slashed .313/.368/.525 in 25 MLB games. Shoulder and back injuries have held him to only 14 games with Triple-A Reno this season, although he has hit well with a .945 OPS in 70 plate appearances.

Lovullo said if Del Castillo were getting recalled (wink), that he could start as the designated hitter against right-handed pitching as Smith continues to recover.

Del Castillo could also get some looks behind the plate as a third catcher on the roster. Meanwhile, veteran catcher James McCann has started taking reps at first base as a backup option for Josh Naylor.

Arizona already optioned reliever Juan Morillo to Reno, but more roster moves will be announced on Friday to fit Del Castillo and Richards on the roster.

The Diamondbacks begin the second half with a three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Chase Field, starting at 6:40 p.m. MST.

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