Delgado will get shot at rotation next year

PHOENIX -- The D-backs moved Randall Delgado back to the bullpen after one start, but it appears the organization views him as a rotation candidate in the future.

"In Spring Training [next year] Dave and Tony they'd like to see him as a starter, so he's going to be thought of in that way," D-backs manager Chip Hale said referring to GM Dave Stewart and chief baseball officer Tony La Russa. "But we always know the flexibility he gives us in the bullpen is important."

Delgado made his first start of the year on Saturday in Cincinnati after right-hander Jeremy Hellickson was placed on the disabled list, and he allowed four runs in 2 1/3 innings.

"He has all the pitches," Hale said. "We know he can go deep into the game throwing all those pitches. His arm's been healthy, his velocity stays good, but we just have to see if he can keep it together on the mental side of it."

Delgado made 19 starts for the D-backs in 2013 and was moved to the bullpen after struggling to consistently harness a breaking ball to go with his fastball and outstanding changeup.

Last year, four of his 47 appearances came as a starter.