Chad

Durbin

“I’ve been more successful and more comfortable in my career as a starter,” said Durbin, 26. Not like the Diamondbacks have anything to lose by giving him a shot.

The former Royal only allowed one hit.

The Tribe has a doubleheader and manager Eric Wedge will likely have to call up a starter from Class AAA to make at least one of the starts. Kyle Denney is also being considered.

Durbin, on a 95-pitch limit as he comes back from Tommy John surgery, didn’t walk anyone, but he did hit a batter in the seventh. Another batter reached on a ninth-inning error.

He is scheduled to rejoin the team Monday. Durbin has a 2.03 ERA and 11/3 K/BB ratio over 13 1/3 innings this spring and is currently a candidate to make the Nats’ bullpen.

Durbin’s minor league deal with the Nats includes an opt-out clause. There’s a chance it could be rendered irrelevant, as he’s making a pretty solid case to claim a bullpen spot. After tossing two shutout innings Wednesday against the Braves, the 34-year-old right-hander has a 2.38 ERA and 9/2 K/BB ratio over 11 1/3 innings this spring.

Durbin failed to win a spot in the Nationals’ bullpen this spring despite posting a 2.35 ERA and 15/3 K/BB ratio in 15 1/3 Grapefruit League innings. He’ll presumably function as a middle reliever for Atlanta.

After inking Brad Lidge last week, the Nationals now have another former member of the Phillies’ bullpen. Durbin, 34, had an ugly 5.53 ERA and 59/26 K/BB ratio over 68 1/3 innings with the Indians last season, but should fare better in his return to the National League East. He’ll try to win a bullpen spot during spring training.

The Diamondbacks are pretty desperate for arms. Durbin had a 6.66 ERA in 17 games, including eight starts, for Cleveland this season. He was sent through waivers a few months ago, so if he was someone the Diamondbacks really wanted, they would have grabbed him then.

Durbin has had a couple of fine outings this month, but tonight’s performance makes it quite likely that he’ll be replaced in the rotation by Jason Davis in September.