Nestled into a big leather couch, Clint Hurdle oozed optimism about the Rockies’ relievers, predicting good things for the second half of the season.
“I’m very optimistic about the bullpen,” the manager said before Saturday night’s game against the Phillies. “I think it’s going to be stronger than it was last year, as a group.”
There were no qualifications attached to Hurdle’s statement, simply his opinion that Colorado relievers are starting to find their niche. Given closer Brian Fuentes’ recent struggles – he had four consecutive blown saves on the Rockies’ recent 1-9 road trip – Hurdle’s outlook seems like a stretch.
“Without a doubt he’ll be back,” Hurdle said of Fuentes. “We all get off track sometimes, because we are human. But it’s not like Brian was getting barreled every night.”
Hurdle’s overall optimism is based on the increased maturity of setup man Manny Corpas, who entered Saturday having blanked opponents in 13 of his past 14 appearances; the emergence of late-inning lefty Jeremy Affeldt, who held opponents scoreless in 16 of his past 18 games; and the versatility of LaTroy Hawkins, who posted a 2.40 ERA since coming off the disabled list on May 22.
“I see growth with everybody out there,” Fuentes said. “Of course, it’s easy to just say that the bullpen is going to be strong in the second half. That’s fine, but we need to think we’ll be strong every night.”
Optimism must be tempered by history. Last season, for the first 71 games, relievers posted a 3.85 ERA. But that number rose to 4.52 by season’s end. And the relievers allowed 33.9 percent of their inherited runners to score, a figure that ranked 20th in the majors.
Forecast for Fuentes
Fuentes’ injury will bench him the rest of the Phillies series, as well as Tuesday’s All-Star Game in San Francisco. It was announced Saturday that Arizona’s Brandon Webb will take Fuentes’ place on the National League squad.
“When I throw with any kind of velocity, it flares up,” said Fuentes, who has a strained back muscle. “Rest is the best treatment right now, so it’s good timing, having the All-Star Game now. It will give me three or four days to heal.”
Hirsh update
Jason Hirsh’s sprained ankle is improving. He likely will pitch a bullpen session today and then go through a simulated game Thursday to see how he fields his position. He then will make a minor-league start before rejoining the rotation.
Staff writer Troy E. Renck contributed to this report.
