By Mark Carlisle

Independent Newsmedia

SCOTTSDALE — Archie Bradley reinvented his career in 2017, transforming from a struggling starter to a dominant reliever. This year, he’s a candidate for the closer job or could sneak back into the starting rotation.

Lovullo said Tuesday the coaching staff is trying to stretch out Bradley’s pitch count this spring to build up his stamina, like any starter does. Bradley threw 35 pitches in his second outing of the spring Tuesday. However, that decision is based more on the past than the future, Lovullo said. It’s what Bradley’s used to.

“What we talked about doing was stretching him out as he’s been stretched out for every year of his career,” Lovullo said. “And we just, we want to make sure that we’re going to continue to follow the same game plan that he’s been under.”

However, Lovullo said there is a chance Bradley could land back in the rotation. It just isn’t plan A.

“There’s a thought that if something goes wrong with one of our five starters, he would be close enough to stretch him out that way, and possibly use him as a consideration.”

The projected five starters are Zack Greinke, Robbie Ray, Zack Godley, Walker and Patrick Corbin.