At this rate, Jacob Nix could earn his next opportunity soon.
The rehabbing right-hander fanned six over five shutout innings in his first start at Triple-A El Paso, leading the Chihuahuas to a 9-1 win over visiting Fresno on Monday.
Nix scattered three hits and a walk while throwing 36 of his 56 pitches for strikes, his longest start since opting for rest and rehab over Tommy John surgery for the tear in his UCL.
The 23-year-old Nix struck out 11 and allowed three runs in 8 2/3 innings in two starts for high Single-A Lake Elsinore, with all three earned runs crossing the plate at hitter-friendly Lancaster.