PHOENIX — The Diamondbacks would have had a hard time scripting a better major league debut for rookie right-hander Archie Bradley.
Not only did Bradley give up only one hit in six shutout innings of a 6-0 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night, he also singled off reigning National League MVP and Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw in his first plate appearance in the second inning.
Bradley was picked off first base after his single to end the inning, but that did not affect him. Nor did the four walks and eight 3-2 counts, only two of which reached base. The Dodgers had two runners on base in only the fourth inning, when Howie Kendrick doubled after a walk to put runners on second and third. Bradley struck out the next batter with a curve and got a tame groundout to end the inning.
“Not pleased with the walks or the pitch count,” said Bradley, 22, who threw 112 pitches. “But for the first one, I’ll take it. I’ll sleep OK tonight. Really want to cherish this and remember it for a long, long time.”
Bradley located his fastball well and used his curve ball effectively. He threw two changeups, both in the sixth inning, both for strikes.
“That was just premium stuff,” D-backs right fielder Mark Trumbo said. “What impressed me the most was the use of the off-speed. I think it was very timely. Threw it for strikes. Also bounced it when he needed to. Great command of the fastball. They never got anything going off him.”
Bradley was the fifth pitcher from the 2011 draft class to make a start in the majors, joining Pittsburgh right-hander Gerrit Cole, Cleveland right-hander Trevor Bauer, Miami right-hander Jose Fernandez and Oakland right-hander Sonny Gray. All were among the top 18 picks that year. Bradley was the youngest of that group to make his debut, and only he and Cole won their first game. Cole won his first four.
“My command was off a little here and there, but I was able to rebound,” said Bradley, who is to make his second start Thursday at San Francisco. “I was very pleased with it. Now I want to keep building on it.”
Fantasy Update: If you don’t have Bradley on your roster, grab him now. He looks like a star in the making.