Arizona Diamondbacks: Zack Godley’s character personifies resolve

By Mark Brown |

Zack Godley's character and determination are significant reasons for early career success. (Ralph Freso / GEtty Imaes)

Right-hander Zack Godley of the Arizona Diamondbacks has the make-up and drive conducive to winning.

If club officials in any sport seek the make-up and personality from which to build their definition of “character,” then look no further than right-hander Zack Godley of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Always cordial and respectful in his dealings with the media, the laid-back persona hides the grit and fortitude of his athletic personality.

Since his call-up to majors in the middle of the 2015 season, Godley has been characterized by his tenacity and drive. Described by former Arizona manager Chip Hale and current skipper Torey Lovullo as “a bulldog,” Godley’s quiet and efficient manner translated into results.

Last season, he set career highs in starts (25), wins (eight), innings (155.0) and strikeouts (165). Opponents hit .198 against Godley in Chase Field last season, and that was the lowest in franchise history. Previously, opponents hit .200 against Josh Collmenter during the 2014 season.

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Starting against the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday at Salt River, Godley recorded his second straight shutout appearance of the spring. In going strong three frames, he gave the Brewers one hit, walked two and struck out four hitters.

On February 24, he held Cleveland off the scoreboard and ditto Thursday. Stretched out against the Brewers, Godley threw 50 pitches during the afternoon and exceeded Lovullo’s declaration to Call to the Pen before the game that the goal was three innings or 45 pitches, whichever was first.

Instead, Godley tossed those 50 pitches in an eventual 6-1 defeat to the Brewers, and afterward told Call to the Pen he embraces the resolute tag.

“One of my coaches once said you cannot be intense and focused 100 percent of the time,” he said. “You’ll go out of your mind. The key to a successful pitcher is not to let your emotions known to the hitters. I try and have an intense focus for spurts during the game. Yes, it’s getting locked in for important moments.”

At this point, Godley is penciled in as the fifth starter, and that’s not too bad for a pitcher with impressive numbers. Despite a losing record at 8-9 last season, Godley turned in a strong 3.37 ERA for his 26 appearances and that near microscopic opponents batting average at home.

Waiting their turn …

Relievers Randall Delgado and Jimmie Sherfy continue to lag behind this spring.

Both are coming off injuries, and each has yet to appear in a spring game. According to manager Torey Lovullo, progress is being made.

For Delgado, he will continue to throw on the sidelines. On Thursday, Delgado threw a live batting practice session in which Lovullo told Call to the Pen, “he looked sharp, and we’re satisfied with his progress.”

The forecast for Sherfy is not particularly encouraging.

Lovullo described his condition as “fatigue,” and the medical staff will move cautiously. Now a few weeks into spring training, Lovullo told Call to the Pen he’s confident Sherfy will be ready by opening day. Then again, he must beat out several candidates for a spot in the bullpen.

Lovullo also reported that reliever Brad Boxberger is suffering from general soreness in his pitching (right) shoulder. Boxberger, who was scratched from game activity last Tuesday against the Giants, will throw his next bullpen session on Sunday.

On Friday, the Diamondbacks continues their spring slate at Salt River. They will be the visiting team for a game against the Colorado Rockies, a facility with whom they share.

Right-hander Albert Suarez will start, and though considered as a reliever, the goal is stretch out Suarez. Should Randall Delgado not be ready as the Diamondbacks’ long reliever, Suarez can fill that role. Following Suarez against the Rox, Lovullo is expected to hand the ball over to Ryan Atkinson, Jared Miller, Michael Blazek, Jake Barrett and Yuhel Nakaurshio. Chad Bettis gets the start for Colorado.

Next: Steven Souza’s transition seems seamless

For Saturday, lefty Robbie Ray is slated to start for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch.

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