4 years agoArizona Diamondbacks left-handed pitcher Madison Bumgarner (back) threw 46 pitches during a simulated game Monday, the latest step in his return to the mound. Manager Torey Lovullo has been pleased with Bumgarner’s progress to this stage and believes that he should be able to rejoin the rotation after missing just two starts. Much has gone sideways for Bumgarner this season, but the most concerning thing is the dip in fastball velocity from 91.4 mph last year to 87.8 this year. In the first season of a five-year contract, Arizona is going to give the southpaw every opportunity to work through any ailments. Owners will want to be cautious in adding Bumgarner back so soon, as he has amassed a 9.35 ERA in his first four starts.--Jesse Borek
Source: Steve Gilbert