If you go by his performance last season, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Godley should not be playing in Double-A baseball for the Mobile BayBears. In fact, he shouldn’t even be in the minor leagues at all. Called into service in 2015 at the major league level, Godley went 5-1 for the Diamondbacks at the end of the season with a 3.19 ERA. You’d think that would be enough to earn a major league job. The Diamondbacks didn’t think so.
“I just do whatever they want me to do,” Godley said. “I can’t do more than that. As long as they keep giving me the opportunity to pitch I’m going to keep taking it no matter where it’s at.”
Great to be back on the field. Another year underway.… https://t.co/neDtKToanm
— Zack Godley (@godleyzt) February 24, 2016
Where it is right now is in Mobile, Ala. with the Diamondbacks Double-A farmhands in the Southern League. Godley and I crossed paths at the beginning of the season when the BayBears were in town playing the Tennessee Smokies in a five-game series. Godley was outstanding in that game, going 6.1 innings with three hits, no walks and three strikeouts.
It was a homecoming of sorts for Godley too. He played his college ball at the University of Tennessee and was originally drafted by the Smokies’ parent team, the Chicago Cubs in the 10th round of the 2014 draft. He was traded to the Diamondbacks last season along with fellow pitcher Jeferson Mejia in the Miguel Montero deal.
Last season’s whirlwind trip to the big show taught Godley something about himself. It’s a lesson he needs to take to heart as he’s followed his fantastic start with some less than stellar outings. Godley has taken four straight losses and never gone beyond 6.1 innings.
“I learned that I could pitch at that (major league) level,” Godley said. “I can have success. Hitters up there and hitters down here are just hitters. I don’t want to boost them up too. It was everything you’d imagine it to be and everything you’d dream it to be. I really enjoyed it. I hope to get back up there soon.”
Made it out to AZ now time to get to work. pic.twitter.com/MYKnfkrFRU
— Zack Godley (@godleyzt) February 3, 2016
Godley’s early stumble could show the Diamondbacks were wise to send him down for a while as he continues to hone his skills. It’s obvious they feel he has a big league future. He just needs to work on his present. He’s currently in the starting rotation for the BayBears, but could end up in the bullpen in the big leagues. Godley is ready either way, but would rather be the guy that takes the hill first.
“I enjoy starting,” Godley said. “I’ve done relieving and starting in pros and in college and I like both. I want to be on the mound and it really doesn’t matter in what aspect that is. I prefer to start though. I like the ball in my hands for a longer period of time. I embrace whatever they want me to do. If they wanted me in the pen, that’s what I’d do.”
Notebook: For a team that’s currently in last place in the Southern League South division, Mobile has plenty of hitters doing good work in Double-A this season. Seven BayBears batters are hitting .274 or better and five guys are all over .300. Evan Marzilli leads the pack with a .333 average after getting bumped down from the Triple-A Reno Aces to open May. Mitch Haniger has been doing it all season for Mobile, batting .330 with eight doubles, three home runs and 18 RBIs. … It’s been a strong season for hitters in the Southern League all around. Currently Mississippi Braves shortstop Ozzie Albies leads the league with a .369 average. Nicky Delmonico of the Birmingham Barons is second with a .340. Zach Shank from the Jackson Generals is third with a .333, Haniger is fourth and Tennessee Smokies second baseman Chesny Young is fifth, batting .322. … On the mound, Chris Ellis of the Braves has been the early star. He’s 5-0 with a 1.71 ERA. The appropriately-named Rookie Davis of the Pensacoloa Blue Wahoos is 4-1 with a 1.59 ERA in six starts. In the pen, Jaye Capman of the Biloxi Schuckers leads the pack with 10 saves and only two hits given up in 12 appearances.
