Tim Melville wins early emergency in Colorado

PHOENIX – Last season, Tim Melville worked at Little Miss BBQ, a barbecue restaurant near his home in the Phoenix area. By the end of the 2019 baseball season, he was not engaged in a team. Therefore, in his free time, he attended one of the first D-backs matches against

PHOENIX – Last offseason, Tim Melville worked at Little Miss BBQ, a barbecue restaurant near his home in the Phoenix area. By the end of the 2019 baseball season, he was not engaged in a team. Therefore, during his free time, he attended one of the first D-backs against the Red Sox with his girlfriend.

A little over four months later, Melville returned to Chase Field. Only this time, he was wearing a Rocky Mountain uniform, standing on the mound and facing the formation of D-backs that he had previously been watching from the stands.

For the 29-year-old, who had bounced around seven organizations over the last decade, the return to Majors was not orthodox, but it's a road that worked. Just two years after his last major league start, Melville earned his first career MLB victory with seven rounds of the ball, which led the Rockies to a 7-2 win in their final against the D-backs.

• The score of the box

"A lot of guys play golf in the afternoons during the off season, and I was just fed up with that," Melville said. "Fortunately, I lived near one of the best barbecues in the country and I am a great food specialist. … only a little experience in cooking, but they let me get on board. "

More fortunately, Melville has found his way back to baseball. Shortly after watching games, he started throwing them again. He signed with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League, where he made two starts. At that time, the Rockies offered him a market.

"I did not have a job and I was very grateful for them," said Melville.

Melville spent three months pitching at Triple A in Albuquerque, where he won 10-5 with a 5.42 ERA in 18 games (17 starts) in the Pacific Coast League. Then, Tuesday evening around 23 hours. PT, in bed at a Sacramento hotel, Melville received a call telling him that he was heading to the big leagues.

Jon Gray is on the injured list following a left foot fracture, the Rockies coach asked for a starter on short notice for the Wednesday afternoon game. Melville was therefore summoned for his first start in the Major League since August 21, 2017, while he was with the Twins, and for his first participation in a big league mound since a relieved outing for the Padres the September 25, 2017.

Melville performed better than the Rockies expected. The right-hander allowed only two hits, his only point being allowed on a Ketel Marte circuit in the sixth inning.

Although the wait was long between the beginnings of the major leagues, Melville kept the same state of mind throughout the course.

"You win or you learn, I never consider it a loss," said Melville. "I have had a lot of ups and downs during my career, especially on other occasions that I have had in the major leagues. I'm just very grateful for this one and able to capitalize and get a "W" for the team. "

It was not brilliant because Melville does not have too much content. He scored four strikeouts, relying mainly on his fastball / curveball combo. He averaged 89.3mph on 33-33 men and had 38 curved bales, three of which were under 73mph.

Yet the right-hander handcuffed the D-backs for most of the day. Melville faced a double in the first after conceding a double to Eduardo Escobar and having walked David Peralta, but he forced Jake Lamb to fly to the right field, Charlie Blackmon makes a nice wall hanging to end the round.

"It's a game that looks like a throwback," said Rock Black manager Rockies. "He could have started in the [1920s], he could have launched in the 50's, 70's, 80's. Then, [in] the 90s, it becomes a little different, and [in] this day and age, with speed and everything. But it was fun to watch, a guy [who] understands how he gets his outs, how he changes gears. And he stayed right in him and did his thing. It was beautiful. "

Earlier this week, when it became apparent that Gray might not be available to begin with, Black decided to switch to receiver. Tony Wolters'Leave from Tuesday to Wednesday. This allowed the backup salvager Dom Nunez, who spent most of the season in Albuquerque, to meet with Melville.

Nunez was delighted to have the opportunity to summon Melville again. The duo has pioneered their way through a terrific outing. It was only the second time Melville had made seven heats this year – with Albuquerque on June 5th against Triple AA Omaha – and it was the first time he had made more than four innings in seven appearances at MLB (four starts). ). .

"When you work with someone in Triple-A and we both have bad-worked 'go running,' said Nunez. "It was an exciting day and he really handled the situation very well. Obviously, he has some time in the league, but he 's focused on running each pitch, respecting his own game plan and it' s awesome. "

Melville also contributed in an offensive manner by collecting a single from the RBI in the fourth round of the Rockies, his fourth career success. He performed another race with a caress well placed in the sixth.

Melville was just grateful to be back in the major leagues and contribute in every way possible. He certainly made a great first impression of Colorado.

"It's a great clubhouse and I'm excited to get to know the culture and guys here," Melville said. "I already know a few guys, but it's a new opportunity for me and I'm delighted."