Mills’ path to majors blocked anew

When the Los Angeles Angels traded for left-hander Brad Mills from the Toronto Blue Jays in December, they expected the former 51s ace to contend for the fifth spot in their starting rotation.

"That's what they told me," Mills said. "But things always change."

The Angels' free-agent signing of All-Star lefty C.J. Wilson less than a week later didn't help his chances, and the 27-year-old Mills failed to make the team out of spring training, opening the season at Triple-A Salt Lake instead.

This month, Mills thought he might have earned an extended stay in the big leagues with a stellar spot start for the Angels. On July 8 at Anaheim, Calif., he pitched five shutout innings to beat Baltimore, allowing three hits, walking none and striking out six. But Mills quickly was optioned back to Salt Lake.

Another major obstacle was added to Mills' path to the majors Friday when the Angels traded for Milwaukee Brewers ace Zack Greinke, who won the 2009 American League Cy Young Award with Kansas City.

"It's getting a little harder to crack every day," Mills said. "Obviously I'm not Zack Greinke and I'm not C.J. Wilson. Those guys are proven All-Stars. I can't blame (the Angels). They've got a lot of money on that payroll and they want to win the World Series.

"I hope to be part of that sometime in my career. I feel like I've proved myself in Triple A."

Mills had a career year for Las Vegas last season - his third with the franchise - when he led the team in wins (11), ERA (4.00), strikeouts (136) and innings pitched (157 1/3). He started for the Pacific Coast League in the Triple-A All-Star Game.

Still, after spending his first five professional seasons in Toronto's organization, recording a 2-3 record and an 8.57 ERA in 48 1/3 innings for the Blue Jays, Mills said he was happy to be traded.

"It was a good breath of fresh air. I was excited that someone wanted me," the Tucson, Ariz., native said.

After starting this season with three solid starts for Salt Lake, Mills moved to the bullpen for the first time and struggled. Not long after rejoining the rotation, he was sidelined for a month with left shoulder inflammation that stemmed from his stint as a reliever.

"He's a very detail- and routine-oriented guy," manager Keith Johnson said. "Going to the bullpen and back to starting threw off his routine, and his arm didn't react well."

Other than his start for the Angels, Mills has yet to fully regain his form since returning June 23. In four July starts for Salt Lake, he's 1-3 with an 8.05 ERA, allowing 17 earned runs on 28 hits in 19 innings, with 13 strikeouts and nine walks.

"It's been hard to get going again after being off for about a month," said Mills, who also dealt with a stomach virus this month. "I felt like I hit the ground running out of camp, and all of a sudden everything kind of came to a halt there in the middle of the season."

Mills, who won't start during this series, allowed season highs in earned runs (six) and hits (nine) Friday in 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Sacramento, dropping him to 4-6 with a 5.24 ERA.

"I'm kind of frustrated," he said. "I feel like I'm throwing the ball well. I've just got to get back in the flow of things."

Fortunately for the competitive Mills, his recent resume includes that victory over the Orioles this month.

"Hopefully I showed (the Angels) I can pitch up there," he said. "It gives me encouragement. I know I can pitch up there."

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.